Free markets provide lots of innovations that better the world, but an often overlooked benefit of a free economy is the ability to chase your dreams no matter your circumstances.
When Rehan Staton suffered a rotary cuff injury that took him out of martial arts and boxing contests for good, things seemed bleak. His focus in highschool had been competing in high level physical competitions, leaving him with dire prospects to getting into college. Rather than giving up, though, Staton worked hard as a sanitation worker in order to pursue greatness in spite of his circumstances. His coworkers empowered him and inspired him to chase success, and after much hard work, he turned his grades around to a 4.0 student, all while waking up at 4am to haul trash to help pay for his father's medical bills.
His drive earned him a spot at Harvard when his story was picked up and noticed, and after all that time he's finally graduating. While the anti-free market forces of the education system and healthcare system burdened him with high prices, his drive, resolve, and perserverence allowed him to push through. His hard work has paid off in the best possible way.
