Famous Frosh: Khadijah Williams, Another Homeless to Harvard

by Molly Fitzpatrick | September 9, 2009 at 12:02 pm

Khadijah WilliamsThe adjective “Dickensian” is exactly three syllables too long to describe the typical Harvard application essay. Not so for that of Khadijah Williams, who overcame homelessness to be accepted to the class of 2013. (Finally, someone who won't complain about being Quadded.)

In spite of her poverty, Khadijah graduated fourth in her class from Jefferson High School in Los Angeles. Her story is undeniably compelling. The media’s coverage of it, however, is less so. Khadijah was first profiled in the L.A. Times with an article that reads like the reporter took a pyramid-scheme screenwriting seminar over the previous weekend:

At the shelter, [Khadijah] was often bullied. ‘You ain’t college-bound,’ the pimps barked. ‘You live in skid row!’

Does this mean the Advocate will finally get some real grit? Read about Khadijah's prom dress and a bundle of (really) shameless jokes after the jump.

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