After appearing on a news documentary show, a young homeless girl from Florida, and her younger brother have been awarded an all-expenses paid education at a private university.
On a recent episode of CBS's "60 Minutes," Scott Pelley met with dozens of Florida's poverty-stricken children who have been forced to reside in cars, vans, or trucks for weeks, or often months, at a time. The state of Florida is now home to one-third of all homeless families in the nation.
Featured prominently in the episode were the Metzger children, Arielle,15. Her brother Austin, 13. Their mother died when they were very young. Their dad, Tom, is a carpenter. And, he's been looking for work ever since Florida's construction industry collapsed. When foreclosure took their house, he bought a truck on Craigslist with his last thousand dollars, and that has been the family's home ever since.
Near the end of the video report - at about 11:47 minutes in - note what the Metzger children have to say about their local library, and eduction:
One threat to a family out here is idleness, so the folks that we met fill the days with every free and normal thing. After school, the Metzgers drive their truck to the library.
Arielle Metzger: 'Cause they've got the computers that we can use. And light and all that.
Pelley: I wonder what education means to you two?
Austin Metzger: It's everything.
Arielle Metzger: It is everything to us. I plan to be a child defense lawyer. If I focus on my studies, I have that opportunity.
We'll, Arielle and brother Austin will be going to college thanks to Stetson University, their alumni, employees and others who were moved by the children's plight and their passion for learning.
Via:
Two homeless Seminole County children who captured the hearts of TV viewers nationwide with their optimism and sincerity are receiving an all-expenses-paid trip — to college.
...
Stetson President Wendy Libby said she has been bombarded by email from alumni, employees and others asking how the college can help 15-year-old Arielle Metzger, who was wearing a green-and-gray Stetson T-shirt for part of the broadcast, and her brother Austin, 13.
It would be great if CBS followed up with the Metzger children either in college, or just after graduation. Greater still if this episode of "60 Minutes" was required viewing for every member of congress.
The full transcript is available here.
