Hazim Hardeman’s story reaches me and teaches me. Here is the second installment in the two-part December series of pieces that Susan Snyder wrote in the Philadelphia Inquirer. http://www.philly.com/education/a/hazim-hardeman-rhodes-scholar-oxford-university-england-temple-20181219.html
Bonus link about the young man’s journey from Community College of Philadelphia (pictured here) to Oxford.
And here’s the official University of Oxford listing for Hazim: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholars/rhodes-scholars-class-of-2018/hazim-hardeman/
Like many other children in his neighborhood, young Hazim was bright, and he had a mother who cared about him and knew the importance of education. But few people with his beginnings reach Oxford in a story that could make a Hollywood script. Hazim’s turning points seem unique but are worth unpacking, which I will do next week.
Hardeman had a mother who cared about him and about his education. Her purposeful lie about their zip code landed him in a better public school, which made a difference for Hazim.
A step.
But he did not become an engaged student, ready to take advantage of that school, until a teacher gave him a book that changed his view of himself and of his possibilities.
Another step.
A changed Hazim began taking his own steps, and the Oxford graduate student shows no sign of stopping. Hardeman deserves much credit for what he’s done. But I love that his wisdom encompasses equal measures of humility and knowledge. And this inspiring learner is driven to help others. His unfolding story will be worth following.
Next week, let’s look at a few things we can learn from the turning points in his amazing story.
Next week, let’s look at a few things we can learn from the turning points in his amazing story.
Ned Bachus 