For days, Hunter Mollett’s stomach growled with hunger because he had nothing to eat, but, he still headed to Enterprise High School in Mississippi. Mollett never complained: he’d simply do his work, hang about with his friends, and attend band practice.
From the second year to the third year in high school, Mollett experienced varying degrees of homelessness. However, as one of the smartest students in his grade, when struggling to find stable housing, he also wanted to attend Harvard University.
Jackie Lewis first learned of his dream when she met him in her ninth grade math class. “He told me he was going to Harvard,” she recalled, “but I was unsure if he was going to make it.” However, after having Mollett in class, Lewis changed her view on his chances in the Ivy League.
When he was in first grade, Mollett first decided on Harvard when he was watching Boston Legal with his mother. He asked her how the characters became lawyers; she said they went to Harvard. Though he didn’t know if they went to Harvard or if she was just joking, Mollett decided that’s where he wanted to go.
When Mollett’s teacher learned of his unstable housing, they started helping when they could. If Mollett needed school pictures, a teacher would buy them for him. If he needed a ride, someone would take him. Meanwhile, Mollett worked hard toward his goal of becoming a surgeon. He took his tests and started applying to colleges, including Mississippi State University and Harvard.
Soon he learned Mississippi State accepted him and offered him a full ride. Then he got an email about financial aid at Harvard. He felt bewildered until he realized he received the financial aid acceptance letter before his university acceptance letter.
“I sat there for 16 minutes just staring at my phone. I was amazed I got it.” Mollett, 18, said.
4. What can we infer about Hunter Mollett from the first paragraph?
A.He was positive. |
B.He lived unhappily. |
C.He was patient and determined. |
D.He often gained help from teachers. |
5. What can we know about Jackie Lewis’ attitude towards Mollett?
A.She was sure of his success at first. |
B.She was doubtful about his ability at first. |
C.She was always confident about his dream. |
D.She considered him the smartest in the class. |
6. What made Hunter Mollett want to go to Harvard University?
A.His mother’s encouragement. |
B.His teacher’s support. |
C.His interest in medical science. |
D.His mom’s answer to his question about a movie. |
7. What does the underlined word “bewildered” in paragraph 6 mean?
A.Disappointed. | B.Excited. | C.Confused. | D.Upset. |