Despite facing homelessness and severe challenges, 17-year-old Megan Faircloth has emerged as the valedictorian of East Wake High School with a 5.25 GPA and earned acceptance to Stanford University.
In November 2015, Megan Faircloth, a determined 17-year-old, found herself and her family navigating a difficult period of homelessness. They moved between relatives’ homes, hotels, shelters, and even lived in their car.
Despite these challenging circumstances, Megan continued her studies at East Wake High School in Wendell, North Carolina. She turned to the empowering anthem “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor and read stories of others overcoming adversity to keep her spirits high.
Every day after school, Megan’s mother, Melva Faircloth, would search for funds to secure a place to stay for the night. Often, they wouldn’t settle until midnight, leaving Megan to start her homework late, sometimes completing it in their car or public parks. Internet access was a luxury they rarely had, adding another layer of difficulty to her studies.
Megan’s perseverance paid off. She graduated from East Wake High School as the valedictorian, boasting a remarkable 5.25 GPA. She excelled in advanced-placement classes and was active in school clubs, all while dealing with an unstable home life. Her hard work and determination earned her a place at Stanford University.
Reflecting on her journey, Megan recalled a particularly challenging moment when she was doing homework outside and it started raining. She said, “This can either be the end or the beginning of me fighting on.” This mindset of resilience kept her going.
The family’s struggles began when they were evicted from their rented home after the owner’s sudden death. Shortly after, Melva Faircloth underwent surgery to remove a tumor, which left her unable to work. Financial help from relatives was sporadic, and the family often had no choice but to stay in hotels or their car.
Megan’s college application process was uncertain, as they didn’t even have a permanent address at the time. However, her dream of attending Stanford, sparked by the university’s interest in her, kept her motivated.
By October 2016, the family had moved in with a relative permanently. Despite the hardships, Megan and her sisters maintained a sense of humor and optimism, which was a source of strength for their mother. Melva Faircloth expressed immense pride in Megan’s achievements, saying, “She came out stronger because of all of it.”
Fast forward to 2022, Megan graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Now, in 2024, she works as an ABA Therapist at Trumpet Behavioral Health.
Her experiences have deepened her passion for empathy and mental health advocacy. Megan emphasizes the need for accessible mental health care and advocates for systems that are inclusive, trauma-informed, and restorative rather than exclusionary, neurotypical, and oppressive.
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