Cops Find 19-Year-Old Sleeping in Tent at College. After They Hear His Story, His Life Turns Around

Police officers in Georgia found a 19-year-old sleeping in a tent on the campus of Gordon State College last weekend. Instead of kicking him off the campus or ticketing him for trespassing, they listened to his story.

The officers discovered that Fred Barley had ridden his little brother’s bicycle six hours — 50 miles — from his hometown to register for classes, and planned to camp out until he could move into a dorm in August.

Not only did the officers put Fred up in a motel, he’s now receiving support from people across the nation.

As reported by ABC Eyewitness News in Barnesville, Georgia, people have donated clothes, school supplies, shoes, a new bike, and he was even offered a job at a local pizza shop.

Debbie Adamson, owner of DB’s Pizzeria told the station:

“I created a position for him before he walked in my door. I didn’t know his name. I didn’t know the color of his skin. I didn’t care. I’ve been there so I guess I had a soft sport for anyone who is that determined to succeed in life.”

Fred is a second-semester biology major who wants to go on to medical school. As for the color of his skin, he said of one of the officers:

“The stuff that’s happening with police officers, I am black and he didn’t care what color I was. He just helped me, and that meant a lot.”

Barnesville resident Casey Blaney heard about the story and sought out Fred at the motel. She established a GoFundMe page titled “Success for Fred,” which had raised $141,701 as the writing of this post.

Fred has been overwhelmed by the whole experience:

“I was shocked by how much support people will give from Lamar County and counties all over and even people across the country that I’ve never met just wanted to help so much in my life. I was just so shocked and grateful.”

Given the problems facing both America and the world, the story of Fred Barley — and the outpouring of love and support given a young man who simply wants to succeed in life — perhaps we should also be grateful, and take stock in the things that truly matter.

The post Cops Find 19-Year-Old Sleeping in Tent at College. After They Hear His Story, His Life Turns Around appeared first on Independent Journal Review.

Source: independent journal

The post Cops Find 19-Year-Old Sleeping in Tent at College. After They Hear His Story, His Life Turns Around appeared first on .@tonygreene113.