As an undocumented immigrant to the US from the Dominican Republic, Dan-el Padilla Peralta found himself living in a homeless shelter with his mother and brother. One day he found a book on Roman and Greek history which sparked his interest and imagination. It set him on course for a life of scholarship and academic success, and Dan-el is now a Professor of Classics at the prestigious Princeton University.

Producer: Becky Vincent

Presenter: Jo Fidgen

Photo: Dan-el Padilla Peralta reading as a child in a homeless shelter.

Credit: Jeff Cowen