Part 4/9:
Rising from Adversity
Maris's journey in California was arduous. Without scholarship support, he worked as a roller coaster operator at Six Flags to support himself while attending classes. He walked over six miles daily to his job, managing a $700 monthly income that barely covered his rent. With just $25 a week left for food, his diet mainly consisted of ramen noodles and inexpensive frozen meals. Despite these challenges, Maris’s drive shone through.