At 69 years old, Clarence Scott is living proof that it’s never too late to start something new.
“I did 20 years in construction,” Clarence said. “It wore me down physically. I knew it was time for a change.”
After a brief stint in housekeeping at a senior center, Clarence began searching for a new opportunity. That’s when he spotted a flyer for a Metro Transit open house.
He’d never driven anything like a bus before and was still recovering from two total knee replacements. But he showed up anyway.
“I was worried they wouldn’t consider me,” he said. “But they trained me and believed in me.”
Clarence is no stranger to overcoming adversity. After his wife died in 2005, he relocated from Chicago to Minnesota with his children. They went through transitional housing programs before finally landing on their feet.
“Homelessness isn’t a failure,” he said. “With a little help, you can get back up.”
That same determination continues to guide him, helping him build a career he's excited to wake up for every day. “It’s the people,” he said. “Everybody’s got a story, and I love hearing them. Every day is full of little meet-and-greets.”
To anyone, especially older adults or those starting over, Clarence offers this advice: “Don’t give up on yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Just take that first step, and the next ones get easier.”
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