LM

Liz Murray

67quotes

Liz Murray: A Life of Resilience and Purpose


Full Name and Common Aliases


Liz Murray is the given name of Elizabeth Murray.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on June 12, 1977, in the Bronx, New York City. Currently active and alive.

Nationality and Profession(s)


American, Memoirist, Educator.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in poverty-stricken neighborhoods in the Bronx, Liz Murray's early life was marked by struggles with addiction, abuse, and instability. Her mother struggled with crack cocaine addiction, leading to a neglectful environment that left Liz often caring for herself and her siblings. Despite these challenges, Liz found solace in education and academic pursuits.

Major Accomplishments


Liz's remarkable journey from homelessness to Harvard University is a testament to her unyielding determination. She overcame incredible obstacles to graduate at the top of her class from Morris High School and eventually earned a full scholarship to attend Harvard College. Her experiences inspired her to write the memoir "Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard" (2003).

Notable Works or Actions


Murray's memoir chronicles her life story, highlighting the harsh realities of poverty, addiction, and neglect she faced. The book received critical acclaim for its raw honesty and vivid storytelling. In addition to writing, Liz has also spoken publicly about her experiences, advocating for education and social welfare initiatives.

Impact and Legacy


Liz Murray's transformation from a homeless teenager to a Harvard graduate serves as an inspiration to millions worldwide. Her story highlights the importance of education in breaking cycles of poverty and addiction. Through speaking engagements, advocacy work, and her memoir, Liz continues to make a lasting impact on those who read about or hear her experiences.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Liz Murray's message of resilience, hope, and the power of education resonates deeply with people from all walks of life. Her remarkable journey, coupled with her commitment to sharing her story as a tool for positive change, has cemented her place as a beacon of inspiration in contemporary society.

As a celebrated memoirist, educator, and advocate, Liz Murray's work continues to inspire individuals struggling with adversity, highlighting the transformative potential of education and personal perseverance. Her unwavering dedication to spreading hope and resilience through her story has earned her a permanent place among those widely quoted and remembered for their courageous life stories.

Quotes by Liz Murray

There was just so much attention that got focused on my story, and what that created was an opportunity for me to share what were the tools, what were the strategies, what was the thinking that had me break though those boundaries.
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There was just so much attention that got focused on my story, and what that created was an opportunity for me to share what were the tools, what were the strategies, what was the thinking that had me break though those boundaries.
LM
I guess more than anything, I just realized, okay, one day I had a home to live in and my family around me. The next day, I did not.
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I guess more than anything, I just realized, okay, one day I had a home to live in and my family around me. The next day, I did not.
LM
I realized that I had the ability to carve out a life for myself, that it was in no way limited by what had already occurred in my past. And that inspired me to go to school.
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I realized that I had the ability to carve out a life for myself, that it was in no way limited by what had already occurred in my past. And that inspired me to go to school.
LM
If I could have a family and a home one night, and all of it's gone the next, that must mean that life has the capacity to change. And then I thought, 'Whoa! That means that just as change happens to me, I can cause change in my life.'
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If I could have a family and a home one night, and all of it's gone the next, that must mean that life has the capacity to change. And then I thought, 'Whoa! That means that just as change happens to me, I can cause change in my life.'
LM
I realized eventually that when I ran out of places to stay and found myself on the D train and in Central Park, I was actually homeless.
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I realized eventually that when I ran out of places to stay and found myself on the D train and in Central Park, I was actually homeless.
LM
People are surprised by the poverty and think that I wasn't cared for. But that wasn't the case - I was deeply loved.
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People are surprised by the poverty and think that I wasn't cared for. But that wasn't the case - I was deeply loved.
LM
I think there is something to be said for what you can do when you don't know what you aren't supposed to be able to do.
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I think there is something to be said for what you can do when you don't know what you aren't supposed to be able to do.
LM
I was 17 and living on the streets. I had the education of technically an eighth-grader, but in reality, I had never had a formal education.
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I was 17 and living on the streets. I had the education of technically an eighth-grader, but in reality, I had never had a formal education.
LM
I guess if there is a big spiritual experience in my life, it is me becoming a mother.
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I guess if there is a big spiritual experience in my life, it is me becoming a mother.
LM
I've learned in my life that you really don't know what's possible until you're already doing it.
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I've learned in my life that you really don't know what's possible until you're already doing it.
LM
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