CLINTON, N.Y. — Among the hundreds of Hamilton College students graduating on Sunday was Marquis Palmer. He says he grew up in Utica and had a choice to live on the streets or strive for more. He shares his inspiring story in the video above.

In addition to his successes mentioned in the video above, Palmer is also one of four Hamilton College students who received a $30,000 Watson Fellowship to pursue a year of independent exploration abroad. He plans to join skateboarding groups to explore the communal aspect of skateboarding in other countries.