Uber Driver Obtains College Degree After Passenger Pays Off School Debt

BYErika Marie2.6K Views
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She's on the road to becoming a lawyer.

An Uber driver is celebrating a milestone in her education thanks to one of her passengers. Georgia State University student Latonya Young has always had dreams and aspirations of becoming a lawyer. During the day, she works as a hairstylist and in the evenings she makes extra money as an Uber driver. The two jobs keep her busy enough, but Latonya is also a devoted mother and student.

When Latonya picked up Kevin Esch from Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, she had no idea it would be a life-changing ride. The pair casually chatted during the drive and Latonya revealed that when she was just 16-years-old, she got pregnant and dropped out of high school. She later resumed her studies at Georgia State but had to drop out of college, as well, because she couldn't afford the $700 balance on her account. The university put a hold on her account making it impossible for Latonya to continue her education and register for classes.

"Every time I got ready to pay the money, my kids needed something," Latonya reportedly told WSB. "I said, 'OK, I'll just wait.'" Days after giving Kevin a ride, Latonya was notified that she could register. She's now earned her associate's degree in criminal justice and is preparing to register for her classes to obtain a bachelor's degree. Latonya and Kevin kept in touch while she was back in school, and he said she made sure to maintain As and Bs in order to show him that she was serious and how much she appreciated his kindness.

"There was something about Latonya that just -- she resonates with me and we developed an incredible friendship now and I am incredibly proud of what she's done," Kevin told CNN. "I could've bought new clothes or I could've helped someone out. And what has come back to me has come back a hundredfold and I would do it 1,000 times over."


About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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