Ben Carson’s story is a true American success story. Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1951, Carson grew up in a poor family. His mother, Sonya, worked multiple jobs to provide for her family of two boys, while his father, Robert, was mostly absent from his life. Young Ben struggled in school, and his classmates made fun of him for his poor grades and awkward social skills.
Despite these challenges, Carson persisted in his education, encouraged by his mother’s high standards and love of learning. He eventually graduated from Yale University with a degree in psychology and then attended the University of Michigan Medical School, where he specialized in neurosurgery.
Carson’s career as a neurosurgeon was groundbreaking. He became the youngest chief of pediatric neurosurgery in the country at age 33, and in 1987, he successfully separated conjoined twins who had been joined at the back of the head, a surgical feat that gained international attention.
But Carson’s accomplishments did not stop at medicine. In 2001, President George W. Bush awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, for his contributions to medicine and philanthropy. In 2015, Carson announced his candidacy for president of the United States, running as a Republican, and though he did not secure the nomination, he has remained active in politics and public discourse.
One of Carson’s most notable characteristics is his unwavering faith in God. He credits his success to his belief in God and has spoken openly about his faith throughout his career. In his autobiography, “Gifted Hands,” he writes, “When we recognize that truth, we know that God has a plan for each of us. We may not understand it, we may not be able to see it, but we know it is there.”
Carson’s faith has also informed his political beliefs. He has been a vocal advocate for conservative policies, particularly in the area of healthcare reform. He opposes the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, and has proposed a system of health savings accounts to replace it.
Carson has also been a controversial figure. During his presidential campaign, he made comments about Muslims that many deemed Islamophobic, and he faced criticism for his lack of experience in politics. Despite these criticisms, Carson remained a popular figure among conservative voters, and his story continues to inspire people from all walks of life.
Today, Carson is the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), having been appointed to the position by President Trump in 2017. In this role, he has been responsible for overseeing programs that help low-income families find affordable housing and has worked to promote economic mobility and self-sufficiency.
Though his career has taken him to the highest levels of government, Carson has never forgotten his humble beginnings. He has remained committed to helping the less fortunate, often volunteering his time and resources to charitable causes.
Ben Carson’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and faith. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, he remained committed to his education and his career, ultimately achieving great success in both. His story serves as an inspiration to all those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and serves as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and faith, anything is possible.