School was a place of learning, but also of comparison.
He tried to focus on lessons, but he was always aware of how different he looked. Worn clothes. Old bag. Broken shoes. He felt smaller sitting among others who seemed to belong more than he did.
Still, he listened carefully. Education felt like the only door that wasn't locked. Even when teachers didn't notice him, he noticed the lessons.
He told himself: This might be my only way out.