Alva Review-Courier -

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — At 16, Tamara Vest had had enough.

Tired of the abuse, neglect and intimidation she said she faced in her older brother's home, Vest was ready to open up to a social worker at Tates Creek High School. She didn't know then that was the first step down a long, challenging road through homelessness, foster homes and years of growing up fast to fend for herself.

Now at 23, Vest is arms length from a degree in social work from the University of Kentucky. On Dec. 4, she delivered the online commencement address to the class of 2020. She's hoping to be a symbol of resilience to...