Clayton Ward once dreamed of being a history teacher, but dropped out of college, and ended up being a school bus driver....
Clayton has always loved history and would often chat with those he drove to school in Framingham, Massachusetts, telling them what he had learnt when he was studying, some years before.
As time went on, the students told Clayton they really enjoyed talking to him and a number even said they wanted him to be their teacher. Clayton listened to what the students said, and despite having left high school in Tennessee more than a decade earlier, he decided to return to his studies. He had once dreamed of being a history teacher, but dropped out of college. Now he was determined to change that.
So, aged 30, Clayton began taking classes at MassBay Community College. That was just over a year ago and he's now earned his associate's degree in liberal arts, graduating with a really impressive score. He continued to drive the bus full time while attending school - and says that the students continued to inspire him.
"It wasn't always easy. I would drive my route in the morning and afternoon, take a class in between shifts and take night classes and classes online to complete my degree requirements," he said. "I would think of those students and all the years I wanted to make this happen, and it helped me focus my energy."
Naturally, he's delighted that he's on his way to realising his dream and utterly amazed that his story has travelled around the world.
"Honestly, I never thought it would be this viral. It is all too surreal for me. I am still in shock a little bit, but I am happy it took off because we all could use a bit of good news in the current state of the world."