Geoff Edwards, who was homeless for several years and sold The Big Issue magazine on the streets, was given a place at Cambridge University.
The 52-year-old man will be studying English Literature at the esteemed school after securing distinctions in his Access to Higher Education course at Cambridge Regional College for mature students, The Daily Mail noted.
Edwards told the newspaper that going to university had always been a dream of his, however, it did not seem like much of a reality. After work as a field laborer began to dry up, he was forced to live on the streets.
He later earned a small income by selling The Big Issue on the streets, but Edwards told The Guardian that he began to feel depressed and isolated.
"I realised things needed to change so I went to see the local college to see if I could get back into education," he said.
That was the turning point in his life.
Three years ago Edwards joined at Cambridge Regional College and, after receiving distinctions for his studies, his tutor suggested he give Cambridge a shot.
"I didn't think of applying to Cambridge - I didn't think Cambridge University would take someone like me, but my tutor encouraged me to apply. It is the first thing I am proud of in my life," he told Cambridge News.
Now Edwards has taken up his place at Hughes Hall, where he is nurturing his lifelong passion for literature.
Speaking about his classes, Edwards told The Guardian, "It's like a 40-hour week of reading and writing. It does feel a bit weird. It's still like … Cambridge! They are trying to encourage people from more different backgrounds to study at Cambridge, and good on them."
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