“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15
Where we start from in life does not determine where we are going. That is what Rehan Staton has demonstrated to the world. Rehan was born into a challenging situation. His father was a single parent and worked for the sanitation department in Maryland. When Rehan graduated from high school, he joined his father working as a trashman. Rehan worked and worked with the hopes of someday going to college. With the help of one of his managers, Rehan was accepted to college and recently made news as a Harvard Law School graduate.
Rehan Staton’s academic success is a powerful story. Rehan’s work has set him up for a life far beyond his start in Maryland. Perhaps the best part of this story is how Rehan has not let his success change his heart. He has remained humble, even in the midst of his accomplishment.
In an interview with the Harvard Gazette, Rehan said that his success was due to the people in his life. But I just happened to be around people who cared enough about me. I worked for a trash company, where my co-workers told me that I should go to college instead. I had a boss who let me leave work, go to school, and come back. I had a cousin who helped me study for the LSAT. I couldn’t have done it all alone.” While at Harvard, Rehan’s gratitude for the people that helped him along the way helped to make other people feel special.
Rehan founded the Reciprocity Effect. This project helps to connect the students at Harvard Law with the staff that supports them each and every day. Rehan lives with the understanding that all people make a difference. All people are worthy of the investment of our time and effort. Rehan could have left law school with only his future in mind, but he also kept his eye on the people around him so that they all could succeed together.
We need one another. We need each person around us to make a positive difference in this world. Gratitude helps us remember the people who helped us along the way. A thankful heart reminds us that we are still surrounded by people who make a difference in our lives and they help us to bless others.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
