Hamilton realized the value of an education at an early age. A Des Moines native, she grew up on the northeast side of the city in a “solidly middle class” family. She decided she wanted to attend Grinnell College in seventh grade, and that dream never faded, despite being a far reach for her parents’ income. While attending North High School, she worked hard, earned good grades, and applied for scholarships. It was during those teenage years that she saw what a teacher’s help and guidance could do.
