### April 24 On April 24, 1755, I was born in the West Indies, on the island of Nevis. My mother was a single mother which made my childhood rather challenging. Despite this, I achieved an education which was quite extraordinary for someone of my time and social class. How did I do it? Through perseverance and hard work – two traits that would serve me well throughout my life. But not only was I a hard worker, I was also a bit of a jokester. For example, one time when I was a young soldier, I left my commanding officer waiting while I penned a letter to [then-General] Washington. When he asked me why I was absent, I told him that I had to “tend to some important treasury matters!” Little did my commander know, I was actually appointed Secretary of the Treasury 13 years later!