I lived in a tent under a bridge for two years – I managed to turn my life around but I wouldn’t wish this on anyone

A HIGH school valedictorian who was once forced to live in a tent has turned his fortunes around and is now heading to college.

Michael Jeffery ended up homeless in Washington DC during the pandemic after moving to the city from Texas, where he had lost his job.

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He eventually settled in a tent under a bridge in the Navy Yard neighborhood, WRC reported.

“I didn’t want to be stuck out here,” Jeffery told the outlet.

“I don’t wish this on anybody.”

At the time, he was looking for a leg up, not a handout.

“A lot of people in this situation is just like me. We want better; we want more,” Jeffery said.

“We don’t want pity.”

That’s why last year he began attending classes the Goodwill Excel Center, a free high school for adults.

After a year of studying while living out of his tent, Jeffery graduated from the program last month with valedictorian honors, WTOP reported.

Now he’s moved into his own apartment and is enrolled at DC’s Catholic University for the fall semester.

“A lot of people don’t get that second chance, and Goodwill allowed that second chance for me,” Jeffery said.

“I appreciate that.”

Once he’s done with college, Jeffery hopes to attend law school and become an attorney.

The recent graduate came to DC from his native Texas on a whim after watching the January 6 attacks on TV.

He slept on a rock until he was able to find a tent.

Without a job or anything to do during the day, Jeffrey was able to completely dedicate himself to his studies.

Goodwill’s program usually takes two years, but he completed it in one.

“At first, it was all about money. Now, I just want to gain knowledge,” Jeffrey said during his speech at the graduation ceremony.

“I’ve been at peace when I’m chasing knowledge instead of money.”