Homeless Teen Bikes 6 Hours and Sleeps In a Tent… To Get To College

It's not only a heart warming story, but it's one of perseverance and determination. Fred Barley is just 19 years old, but knows what he wants and is willing to do what it takes to get it.

Gordon College campus dorms don't open until August, but Barley made the trip out there to register for classes for his second semester of college. Unfortunately Barley didn't have a lot to go with. He borrowed his little brother's bike to take the six hour journey, with nothing but two duffel bags carrying everything he owned, and two gallons of water.

Since the dorms aren't open yet, Barley set up a tent in the bushes, where he planned on spending the next few weeks, with nothing more than a box of cereal to eat. He spent the day job searching and had just gotten to his tent when officers walking by heard a noise.

The officers, quickly realizing something wasn't quite right, and sat down with Barley to get an understanding of his situation. Barley, a Biology Major, told them of his story and without a second thought, the officers took him to a local motel and paid for the next two nights.

One of the officer's wives ended up posting a story about it on Facebook and instantly there was support for Barley. The motel owner and a good citizen named Casey Blaney paid for Barley's motel stay until he can move into the dorms, which are letting him move in early. Plus a local pizzeria hired him as a dishwasher. Owner Debbie Adamson saw the story and said "I created a position for him before he walked in my door. I didn’t know his name. I didn’t know the color of his skin. I didn’t care. I’ve been there so I guess I had a soft spot for anyone who is that determined to succeed in life."

People have also donated clothes, school supplies, shoes, a new bike and are working on getting him a car. Some have also stepped up to take care of his medical needs. If you'd like to help out, you can go to the GoFundMe page.