Claude leger prevails through adversity

They say where you come from doesn’t define you and they are definitely right. We have seen so many individuals from very humble backgrounds rising up and owning companies and doing the impossible. Such individuals are great role models who inspire so many people in their everyday lives. Claude Leger, born in a small town in Leogane in Haiti is a living testimony that challenges that we face can shape and mold us into being successful later in life.

Claude Leger born on May 15, 2000, came to the United States when he was only five years old as an immigrant. As stated above Leger was born in Haiti, as an immigrant he grew up in Texas Avenue in Orlando Florida, went to Palmetto Elementary then moved to Westridge Middle School then to Oak Ridge High School. Leger was always the top in his class as he felt that education was the only key to his success. As so many immigrants in the United States, Leger grew in unfavorable conditions, where his parents lived below the poverty line and they unable to provide the basic needs such as food, and shelter. They could sleep in cars, beg for food or get food from food stamp live in the hood that he grew up in.

“I grew up under harsh conditions where we slept in our family car for most nights, eating three meals was a phrase I didn’t know or understand. Mum and dad tried so much to make ends meet but as immigrants this was very difficult.” However, despite all these challenges, Claude Leger was able to join campus, he first joined FSU and TCC but was unable to complete his education as so many people discouraged him and told him that with his poor background he would never graduate. However, after leaving the mentioned universities, he was able to join Florida Agriculture and Mechanical Agriculture where he graduated this year.

“I faced so many challenges during my campus days. For instance, I remember when I joined TCC and FSU, so many individuals laughed at me and told me that I wouldn’t afford college life. I also compared myself to so many students and felt so discouraged. After two years, I dropped out as I listened to what people said. However, my mum, my greatest cheerleader and motivation, urged me to go back and finish my undergraduate program, and I joined FAMU where I graduated this year. If I listened to people I wouldn’t be here today. All it takes is courage, hard work and believing in oneself and there’s nothing one can’t achieve.” says the young entrepreneur and trader.