In 2019, Dylan Chidick captured the nation’s attention by defying the odds stacked against him. At just 17, the Jersey City high school student, once homeless and burdened by personal and family challenges, was accepted into 17 colleges on his own merit. His inspiring journey serves as a testament to determination, resilience, and the power of hard work.
Overcoming Adversity: The Beginning
Dylan’s story is one of perseverance in the face of overwhelming obstacles. In 2017, his family was forced into homelessness after his mother lost her job. Living in a shelter, he faced the additional stress of caring for his twin brothers, who both suffered from severe heart conditions. Yet, despite his tumultuous home life, Dylan remained focused on his education.
Born in Trinidad, Dylan immigrated to the United States at age seven. His family, initially settling in Brooklyn, later relocated to Jersey City due to financial pressures. By the time they lost their home, Dylan was already enrolled at Henry Snyder High School, where he excelled academically despite his challenges. His commitment to his studies never wavered, even while living in a shelter.
Rising Above the Challenges
While Dylan’s peers had the luxury of quiet, stable environments for studying, Dylan found himself returning to the shelter after long days at school, only to work late into the night. “I knew I had to push myself harder,” Dylan recalled, reflecting on the nights spent preparing for college admissions exams and crafting applications. His SAT results were not perfect, but Dylan’s passion, drive, and personal story were enough to make a lasting impression on college admissions officers.
His situation also underscored the stark contrast between his story and the privileged lives of students benefiting from the infamous 2019 college admissions scandal. While wealthy parents were paying bribes to secure spots for their 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren, Dylan relied solely on his academic achievements and personal determination.
Seventeen Acceptance Letters and a Path Forward
Despite his fears, Dylan received 17 acceptance letters from colleges, including Siena College, Kean University, and Caldwell University. He remained optimistic while waiting to hear back from his top choice, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). His hope was to become the first in his family to attend college—a goal that felt both overwhelming and rewarding, given his family’s journey from homelessness to stability.
Dylan chose not to focus on his struggles in his college admission essays, instead addressing broader societal issues such as racism. He wanted to be seen as a whole person, not just defined by the hardships he had endured. “I thought that people were listening to me and understanding me and seeing who I was as a whole, entire person,” Dylan said after receiving his first acceptance letter.
Achieving His Dreams and Inspiring Others
Dylan’s dream was ultimately realized when he was accepted to TCNJ, where he majored in Political Science. Over the years, he took on various leadership roles, including serving as Student Government Executive President. In 2023, Dylan proudly graduated, a milestone he credited to TCNJ’s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program and the unwavering support of his mother, Khadine Phillip.
His mother’s strength and willingness to seek help during difficult times inspired Dylan’s resolve to create a better future. “Seeing [my family] reach out for help made me realize that it’s okay to be vulnerable and ask for assistance,” Dylan remarked. His experiences also deepened his commitment to public service, a field he continues to pursue as he begins his Doctor of Law degree at Vermont Law and Graduate School in 2024.
A Legacy of Determination
Dylan’s journey from homelessness to college graduate is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through hard work and resilience. His story is one that inspires, not just because of the challenges he faced, but because of the future he has built for himself. As Dylan steps into the next chapter of his life, his accomplishments stand as proof that no matter the obstacles, success is possible with perseverance and a vision for a better future.
Darrin Francois, a 17-year-old from New Orleans, has become an inspiring figure for students across the country. His remarkable achievement of being accepted into 83 colleges and receiving $3 million in scholarships has captured national attention, showcasing the power of perseverance, dedication, and resilience. However, behind this outstanding academic success lies a deeply personal story of triumph over adversity.
Francois is a senior at the International High School of New Orleans (IHSNO), where he set a school record for college acceptances. While many of his classmates were accepted into 20 colleges or more, Darrin’s staggering 83 acceptances and the monumental scholarship offers that followed set him apart as an extraordinary student. What’s more, his mother, Bridget, could not have been prouder. “Eighty-three colleges? That is wonderful, that is a blessing from God,” she expressed, overwhelmed with joy at her son’s achievements.
Darrin’s path to success wasn’t smooth. At the age of four, he was diagnosed with epilepsy, a condition that shaped much of his early life. By his sophomore year in high school, the stress of his condition led to frequent seizures, which eventually resulted in him losing his hair due to alopecia. The emotional toll was heavy—Francois battled depression and often felt alone. But his resolve never faltered. Instead of succumbing to despair, Darrin found solace in applying to colleges during his senior year. This gave him a sense of control over his future and a renewed sense of purpose.
“I just applied, applied, applied. I didn’t know how many it was until the letters started coming through the mail,” Darrin recalled. As acceptance letters poured in, the once-timid teenager, who had faced so many challenges, realized his hard work had paid off.
