As most of us know, the pressures of high school can be a lot. Not only is it difficult to stay focused and get good grades, but there are also extracurricular activities, friends, cliques, and the future to worry about.
For 16-year-old Destyni Tyree, she also has one other enormous obstacle to deal with: She happens to be homeless.
When Tyree's mother lost her job several years back, the family was forced to move into one of Washington D.C.'s homeless shelters, sharing quarters with 243 families.
But in spite of all the difficulties that came along with being a homeless teen, Tyree refused to give up. And not only has she survived, but she has managed to absolutely thrive.
Her list of accomplishments would be impressive for any high school student, much less one living in a homeless shelter.
Scroll through below to see how this incredible young lady has managed to defy the odds to become prom queen and graduate early. And just wait until you see what she has in store next!
Destyni Tyree received some life-changing news after her mother lost her job — she and the family would have to move into one of Washington D.C.'s many homeless shelters.
Tyree told ABC News, "At first, I didn't like it because I was used to my own space."
But in spite of the difficulties that came from sharing a shelter with 243 other families, Tyree was eventually enrolled at a school where she began finding great success.
Principal of Roosevelt S.T.A.Y. High School, Eugenia Young, told ABC News, "As a student, she is a natural-born leader."
Tyree worked hard at her academics, achieving a 4.0 GPA.
She even received a number of academic honors and awards.
Young told AOL, "We not only gave her regular classes, she had online classes and she did Saturday school."
The reason? Tyree decided to finish high school two years early.
With such a lofty goal, it would seem that would leave little time for anything else.
But Tyree also had time to be voted prom queen by her fellow students!
She also became captain of the school's cheerleading squad and spent 25 hours every week working at a local ice cream parlor.
When asked how she balanced so much in her life, Tyree told ABC News, "I just time managed. I just wake up and do what I gotta do."
Principal Young told ABC News, "The more and more she's around people who constantly tell her how smart she is, and how she can do anything she puts her mind to, the more she believes she can do anything now."
Incredibly, Tyree did accomplish her goal of graduating from high school two entire years early!
But her dreams have not stopped there.
Tyree told ABC News, "Quite frankly, I'm ready to go and live life. I know there's a better life out there for me."
Tyree will be heading to Potomac State College this fall, where she plans to major in Secondary Education.
Though she had a rough start to high school, Tyree has risen to the occasion, accomplishing more than anyone ever dreamed possible!
She told ABC News, "It gets better. If you work hard enough, if you have that drive, if you have that motivation, it gets a lot better."
To donate to Tyree's college fund, check out her Go Fund Me page.
What do you think of this teen's incredible drive and perseverance? Let us know in the comments.
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