UMSL graduate Toby Meyer gives a "high-five" to his friend Sunday during his commencement ceremony. Meyer earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UMSL. (Photo by St. Louis Post-Dispatch photographer J.B. Forbes)

Walking across the University of Missouri–St. Louis stage to accept his bachelor’s degree in elementary education on Sunday is something Toby Meyer would have never imagined 10 years ago.

After graduating from high school, the self-described “couch potato” had little motivation. It wasn’t until he landed a job as a janitor at his alma mater, Rose Acres Elementary School in Maryland Heights, Mo., that he discovered his true calling was to be at the front of the classroom, not cleaning it.

Meyer’s story was featured May 14 by reporter Doug Moore in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He also was featured May 17 on KTVI (Channel 2).