Born during the Depression, which caused rampant hunger and disease in Puerto Rico, Herman Badillo was left an orphan at age 5 after his parents succumbed to tuberculosis. Sent to live with his aunt in New York, Badillo worked his way through Brooklyn Law School, earning the highest distinction as Editor of the Law Review. In 1954, he received his law degree cum laude and was named class valedictorian. The following year, he was admitted to the bar and simultaneously earned his accreditation as a CPA. During the ‘60s, Badillo entered politics, and in 1971, was elected to the U.S. Congress, becoming the nation’s first Puerto Rican congressman. Overcoming insurmountable odds, he is an inspiration to all.