Graduation will be extra sweet for a Citrus County student who has been living in a homeless shelter.

Determination and the hunger for a better life are two things that fuel Robert Hren.

"I have struggled for so long," he said. "I'm tired of struggling."

Robert is about to graduate from Withlacoochee Technical College in Inverness with a certificate in industrial machinery maintenance and repair.

"I'm not looking for a handout," he said. "I want to be able to earn what I got, but I also want to better myself."

Hren doesn't have a car so five days a week, for one year, he has been walking to school, rain or shine, and his attendance is perfect. He has a 4.0 GPA and is set to graduate in June with honors.

Larry Hensley is Robert's instructor.

"He has achieved from me the highest grade that I have ever issued in this class, which in not an easy feat," Hensley said.

Robert is a Marine veteran and has worked most of his life. He admits some poor choices landed him in this tough spot. He got some grant money to pay for school and he's taking full advantage of this opportunity.

"I didn't know if I could make it," he said. "If I could do it, so you have to put your fear behind you. You have got to want it."

Robert is on the job hunt and hopes to score something soon. He says his last big obstacle is not having a means of transportation.