GREENSBORO, N.C. — It's not where you start or what you have that makes you great. A 2020 graduate of Guilford County Schools is proof, being successful is all about overcoming obstacles and making the most out of every opportunity.
Nineteen-year-old Jack Craig beat incredible odds, not only graduating at the top of his class, but the performing arts graduate is heading to NC State to pursue his passion in math.
His story begins in the People's Republic of China, where he was born and abandoned at birth during the country's one-child policy. The birth planning policy was part of a program designed to control the size of the population. It set a limit on the number of births parents could have. On top of that, Jack Craig was also born with Spina bifida, which was considered a burden to Chinese families.
"I have it right at my neck. Most people who have Spina bifida are impaired from the neck down and you would think that where I had it, I would be impaired, but I'm not," said Craig. He told WFMY News 2's Tracey McCain, an elderly couple who watched over him while he was living on the street, tried to cure his disability by wrapping his head in palm leaves.
"The couple fed me and looked out for me, that's how I survived for three years," said Craig. "As far as I know, they wrapped my head with palm leaves and various herbs and somehow, I didn't have any other issues."
Craig was taken into an orphanage in China at four-years-old and one year later, a Greensboro couple adopted him.