We all face challenges in life, some more difficult than others. What really matters is the courage and determination with which we confront those challenges. And it’s important to remember that it is never too late to turn things around.

Ginny Burton’s incredible story of hardship and triumph is truly inspiring. Local12 News recently shared her story, and it is one that deserves to be heard.

Local12’s Eric Johnson first met Ginny a few years ago while researching the homelessness epidemic in Seattle and across the United States. He spoke with her at a men’s shelter called Lazarus Day Center, run by Catholic Community Services. Ginny, tired and pulled in many directions, took a few minutes to talk with Eric.

Two years later, Eric called Lazarus Day Center to see if Ginny still worked there. When she called him back, he knew he needed to talk to her again. That’s when Ginny shared her life story.

Ginny’s childhood was marked by a mother who was a drug addict and dealer, and a father who was imprisoned for armed robberies. By the age of six, Ginny was smoking marijuana, and at 12, her mother introduced her to meth. By 14, she was smoking crack.

At 16, she was raped, and at 17, she attempted suicide for the first time. She went on to have two children and endured an abusive marriage. At 23, Ginny became addicted to heroin.

With 17 felony convictions, Ginny was once the person people would clutch their bags around. She was the person who would randomly attack someone in public. She admits to being a person without integrity, both a victim and a predator.

Ginny’s life on the streets involved robbing Mexican drug dealers with a male accomplice at gunpoint. Hopeless and feeling trapped, she wished for someone to end her life. But Ginny realized she needed to make a change. Unfortunately, she was caught in an unbreakable cycle of addiction and ended up in prison for 33 months in 2008.

After six months of sobriety following her release, Ginny relapsed and was arrested for the final time in 2012. However, this was not the end of her story. She begged to be put on the Drug Diversion Court program, and that decision changed her life.

Through rehabilitation and treatment, Ginny was able to get clean and stay clean. Determined to make amends for her past, she began working in social services for the Post Prison Education Program. It was during this time that she discovered her love for learning and decided to go back to school.

Ginny applied to the University of Washington after taking classes at South Seattle College. In 2019, she received the Martin Honor Scholarship to the UW. At the age of 47, she studied political science and excelled in her studies.

Recently, Ginny shared two side-by-side photos that represent two vastly different periods of her life. One is a mugshot from her lowest point in 2005, and the other shows her beaming in her graduation cap.

She wrote: “Today I’ve let go of feeling insecure about my age, the lines on my face, my genetics, my failures, and imposter syndrome to recognize that no matter what, if I’m still breathing, I can do anything I set my mind to. Graduating at 48 from the Political Science department at the University of Washington Seattle is a real accomplishment for this former quitter.”

Ginny’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and redemption. She is a shining example for anyone facing adversity. As she continues her journey, Ginny hopes to inspire others to reclaim their lives and find hope.

Let’s celebrate Ginny’s remarkable achievement and share her story to inspire others. It’s never too late to turn your life around.