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Elizabeth Murray was born in The Bronx, New York City, NY
Her parents were Peter Finnerty and Jean Murray. -
Lizzy was confused about this man entering her life.
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The first of every month, when the welfare check was due to arrive, The entire family would wait in anticipation. This was a time that made Lizzy feel important to her Ma because she was the mailman spotter.
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Summer of 1985, was the last time Lizzy remembers being a close, happy family. Even though there were tough times, Lizzy still regarded her family as a unit living and struggling together.
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Lizzy went to school and was ridiculed for her dirty, disheveled look. She had a severe case of lice and was called out in front of the entire class. Lizzy decided she could never return to that class.
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After Lizzy's mom met Tara and Ron, things happened to Lisa and Lizzy involving Ron. Lizzy's mom had a mental breakdown that landed her in the hospital and Lizzy and Lisa in the hands of social services for a brief period.
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After the first breakdown, there were additional breakdowns. The drug abuse increased in frequency and Lizzy and Lisa were even more on their own.
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Lizzy met Rick and Danny and developed a friendship with them which took her mind off her family. The relationship lasted three years and this is when Lizzy had her first "breaking night" experience.
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During this time period, Lizzy hung out with Rick, Danny and Kevin. Kevin showed them how they could earn a few dollars pumping gas. This was a real empowering time for Lizzy when she realized she could take care of her own needs.
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One evening when Lizzy's Ma comes home she confesses to Lizzy that she is sick with AIDS. This news shatters Lizzy's world. She can't even imagine the possibility of her mother dieing.
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During this timespan, Lizzy's mo met Brick and Lisa and her moved into Brick's apartment in Fordham, leaving Lizzy behind with her Dad. Lizzy didn't want to leave her father alone with no one to care for him.
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Child Welfare finally became involved when Lizzy's truancy became too excessive. Lizzy didn't put up a fight, nor did her father. She was tormented , but was relieved at the ability to have a warm meal, showers and clean clothes for a brief period.
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During this time, Lizzy started a new school, moved into Brick's house and met a group of kids that soon became her new family. They formed a bond and spent much of their time together. Sam became her best friend and they were strong for one another.
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Lizzy and Sam met Carlos at Fief's house. Lizzy was immediately fascinated with him. Carlos offered Lizzy something she was lacking, love and support. He was not always the best influence, but was there when she needed him.
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During the time Lizzy was spending her days and nights with Carlos and friends, her mom was getting sicker. When she went to see her in the hospital, she wasn't prepared for how powerless she felt at not being able to change things for her other. She never went back to see her mother. Jean Murray dies on December 18, 1996.
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Over the next months, Lizzy was lost. She spent time with Carlos, and others, but began to realize she had to change something, in order to change her life. She met Paige, who similar to Lizzy had a difficult life but was now doing well for herself. Paige introduced her to the possibility of alternative high school.
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Lizzy found refuge at The Door, a place that helped young people's needs, no questions asked. She was able to get food and a place to help get ready for this new life. She found a summer job at NYPIRG. She worked on commission and was successful because she was doing it as a means of survival. Lizzy met a new group of friends, but also found Sam again and she too would attend Prep.
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Lizzy set the goal to graduate in only two years as opposed to taking the normal four years, with an A average. She would accomplish this goal while being homeless. She took double the classes and used her education to rebuild her life.
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On her 18th birthday, Lizzy sent in the application for the New York Times Scholarship, which s awarded to needy students. so she can reveal the truth about her life and being homeless and not fear Child Welfare finding out. She was awarded the scholarship based on her essay and interview.
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The anticipation of waiting for the letter to arrive from Harvard brought Lizzy back to the time in her life when her mother and father and her awaited the mailman top deliver the welfare check. What a full circle her life has been. Lizzy was accepted to Harvard for the Fall of 2000.
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Liz Murray's father passed away from AIDS in 2006. Liz and Lisa cared for him in his last years.
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After her father's death, Lizzy returned to Harvard and graduated in 2009.
