Formerly homeless UA grad is now one step closer to his dream

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Newly accepted students in the University of Arizona College of Medicine took a symbolic first step into their journey to becoming doctors.

124 students received and put on their white coats during an annual ceremony at Centennial Hall on Friday, July 27.

As students put on their white coats, their exciting but long and tough journey towards becoming doctors began.

For one future doctor in particular, it has been quite a journey to get to this point.

"Coming from an abusive family I didn't have anyone. I felt so alone. I didn't have anyone," said Albert Alan.

Tucson News Now shared Alan's story back in May of 2017.

Alan was homeless at the age of 15 and lived on the streets in Tempe. Despite his hardships, Alan graduated from the University of Arizona in 2017 with three degrees.

"[I really wanted] to be the physician that, when i was marginalized, wanted to see in my community," Alan told us last year.

A year later, Alan is now closer to his dream.

"It feels like a dream come true. Many years and here I am," he said.

Not only is he a proud new owner of a white coat, Alan has now found his family within his mentors and peers.

"Don't lose sight of what education can do. It is really the essence of at least my piece of the American dream," Alan said.

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