Joycelyn Elders is a woman with humble beginnings who was able to reach great heights. Born on August 13, 1933, in a poor Arkansas community, she grew up as the eldest of eight children. To make ends meet, she worked on her family’s farm to the extent that it was often prioritized over attending her segregated school several miles away. Still, after finishing high school, she attended Philander Smith College, paying for fees using the money she and her siblings worked extra hours to obtain.