09/25/2026
He once sat in 7th-grade English class and told his teacher he couldn’t understand what he was looking at because he couldn’t read.
Years later, he graduated with a degree in History. 🎓❤️
Meet John Carvalho.
As a child, John struggled with reading and writing. His parents took him to Boston Children’s Hospital to better understand how he learned and how teachers could support him.
School didn’t always get easier. His first experience with community college ended with him leaving school and going to work.
But he never gave up on his education.
Years later, while working at Williams College, John discovered that employees could receive 100% tuition support. He returned to college, earned an Associate Degree in Management from Post University online, and this time, he used the accommodations he needed.
Then came another goal.
In fall 2024, John began studying History at Southern New Hampshire University, with the dream of becoming a Social Studies teacher.
On July 1, 2026, he graduated. 🎓
He also made the Honor Roll twice and has since been accepted into the Master’s of Education program at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
From struggling to read in 7th grade to earning a college degree and preparing to become a teacher himself — his journey has come full circle.
And the advice John wants others to remember?
“Never give up, and who cares what people say or think. Advocate for yourself.”
Congratulations, John. ❤️
Your path doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. Sometimes, it’s about finding what works for you, asking for what you need, and continuing forward — one step at a time.
