Cheers and happiness filled the room as 16-year-old Ayrton Little from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, received his acceptance letter from Harvard University.  

Thousands of students from all over the world apply to Harvard, but only a small portion get accepted. According to Harvard University, the acceptance rate is 5.4%.

One may ask, how is this even possible? A viral video has spread across all of social media including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube showing the reaction of Ayrton finding out he’d been accepted into Harvard.

How was Ayrton able to make this huge accomplishment a reality? Through hard work and motivation.

Going to Harvard was always one of Ayrton’s biggest dreams.

Sophomore Victoria Kapusta says, “I think that having a 16 year old being accepted into Harvard shows how morally capable and mature they are about the future and that they are prepared for a highly advanced education that they should respect.”

Age doesn’t matter, anyone can achieve big things as long as hard work is put in the process.

Sophomore Jordan Hank believes “Students can prepare for success by studying a lot and not being afraid to ask questions.”

Being able to communicate is key when trying to succeed because that’s how the information needed is received.

“This demonstrates that age doesn’t matter and anyone of any age is capable of succeeding in life,” said sophomore Melany Delacruz.

Raised by a struggling single mother, Ayrton found the support and encouragement he needed.

Ayrton’s youngest brother passed away from an asthma attack in 2016; this has also been motivation for Ayrton to keep aiming higher.

This made Ayrton realize that he had to do something significant for his mother.

According to math teacher Mr. Whittaker, “It is a wonderful opportunity for the young man. I think it took a lot of hard work, a lot of commitment and probably took a lot of extra tests and a lot of extra class credits, I think he really earned it.”

Ayrton took ownership in his learning and his educational goals.

This is just a clear example on how motivation and persistence can help one accomplish great success in life.