Booker T Washington Research Paper

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Booker T. Washington had an amazing life. He overcame all the obstacles that came his way to be the person he was. From childhood to adulthood, Booker T. Washington led a fascinating life and accomplished many great things. Booker T. Washington’s childhood was not an easy one. “The family was very poor, and a 9-year old Booker went to work with his stepfather instead of going to school.” (Biography Paragraph 4) Although Washington worked with his stepfather he still showed interest in learning how to read and write. “I decided, however, that I would rather try Mrs. Ruffner’s house than remain in the coal-mine, and so my mother applied to her for the vacant position.” (P. 16) Booker thought that if he wanted to go to school Mrs. Ruffner was his best choice. Even though Booker had a rough childhood he still tried to find ways to go to school. Booker T. Washington’s thirst for education was present into adulthood. “In 1872, Booker T. Washington left home and walked 500 miles to Hampton Normal Argiculture Institute in Virginia.” (Biography Paragraph 8) Since Booker had no money he looked for jobs he could do to help him along the way, “My whole soul was so bent upon reaching Hampton that I did not have time to cherish any bitterness toward the hold-keeper.” (P. 19) No matter what situation Booker was in, he looked past it …show more content…

Washington had many accomplishments in his life. “The sweeping of that room was my college examination, and never did any youth pass an examination for entrance into Harvard or Yale that gave him more genuine satisfaction.” (P. 21) Booker only passed the examination because of Mrs. Ruffner and her Yankee life ways. “In 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt invited Booker T. Washington to the White House, making him the first African American to be so honored.” (Biography Paragraph 12) Booker’s passion for school gave him the opportunity to visit the White House. All the hard work Washington did led him to the amazing accomplishments he