Liz Murray facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Liz Murray
Murray in 2013
Born	(1980-09-23) September 23, 1980 (age 44) New York City, New York, U.S.
Education	Harvard University (BS) Columbia University (MS)
Occupation	Teacher, motivational speaker

Elizabeth Murray (born September 23, 1980) is an American author and inspiring speaker. She is well-known for being accepted into Harvard University even though she faced many challenges, including not having a stable home during her high school years. Her amazing life story was made into a TV movie called Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story in 2003. Liz Murray's book, Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard, became a New York Times bestseller when it was published in 2010.

Liz Murray's Early Life and Education

Overcoming Challenges

Liz Murray was born on September 23, 1980, in the Bronx, New York. She grew up in a very difficult situation. Her parents faced many struggles, and Liz often didn't have enough food. She even ate ice cubes sometimes to feel like she was eating. When she was about 9 years old, Liz started working small jobs to help buy groceries for her family.

Her parents separated when she was 14. Liz lived with her father for a short time, but then she was taken into care for her safety. She also spent some time in a group home.

A New Path to Learning

Just after she turned 15, Liz found herself without a stable home. Her mother passed away in 1996, and her father moved to a shelter. Liz decided she wanted to change her life and finish her education. She found a job asking for donations for environmental causes. She worked incredibly hard, breaking sales records and earning a lot of money in just two months.

Despite starting high school late and not having a steady place to live, Liz began attending the Humanities Preparatory Academy in Chelsea, Manhattan. She worked incredibly hard and finished high school in only two years. Liz earned excellent grades, graduating at the very top of her class.

College Journey

Because of her hard work and determination, Liz was awarded a scholarship from The New York Times for students who needed financial help. She was then accepted into Harvard University, starting her studies in the fall of 2000. When her story was shared in The New York Times, many readers were inspired. They sent Liz clothes and food, and even offered to help with her laundry.

In 2003, Liz transferred from Harvard to Columbia University to be closer to her father, who was unwell. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology in June 2009. After that, she continued her studies, planning to become a counselor. Liz's older sister, Lisa, also went to college and became a school teacher for children with autism.

Liz Murray's Career and Impact

Inspiring Others

Liz Murray is a co-founder of "The Arthur Project," an organization that helps young people by connecting them with mentors. This project is named after her first mentor, who helped her greatly. Since 1999, Liz has also worked as an inspirational speaker with the Washington Speakers Bureau. She has given speeches at events alongside famous people like Tony Blair and the Dalai Lama.

Liz has shared her story with many audiences. In 2009, she spoke to 1,400 students at Worcester Technical High School. In September 2012, she gave a TED Talk called "For the Love of Possibility," inspiring people with her message.

Sharing Her Story

Liz Murray was a co-producer for the TV movie Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story (2003), which starred actress Thora Birch. The film told Liz's life story and was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards. Liz even made a small appearance in the movie as a social worker.

Her story has also been featured on TV shows like ABC's 20/20 and she has been a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show. On The Oprah Winfrey Show, Liz talked about what she learned from her parents. She said they taught her that being strong means being flexible, and that being thankful means knowing how lucky you are to have what you have. She also learned that forgiveness often comes from understanding that things aren't always personal, and everyone has their own limits.

Awards and Recognition

Liz Murray's book, Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard, was published in 2010. It quickly became a New York Times bestseller and was published in many countries and languages. Critics praised the book, with Kirkus Review calling it an "admirable story of a teen who overcame homelessness through sheer grit and the kindness of friends."

Liz has received many awards for her inspiring journey. These include the White House Project's Role Model Award and Oprah Winfrey’s first-ever Chutzpah Award in 2004. The Chutzpah Award is given to women who show great courage and achieve amazing things against the odds. In 2008, she received the Women of Vision Award. On May 19, 2013, she was given an honorary doctorate degree and gave the graduation speech at Merrimack College.

Awards and Nominations

See also

In Spanish: Elizabeth Murray (psicóloga) para niños

• Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story (2003), Lifetime television film