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When the need for information technology service arises, it can be a stressful moment-the user is locked out of their computer, or a program isn't working properly. But if you ask anyone in the MIT departments of Chemistry and Physics, or the News Office-the Institute divisions that are fortunate enough to have Greg Walton as their IT service provider, they'll acknowledge that not only is Walton the best, but whatever the issue is, he will see it through until all involved are satisfied with the outcome. Walton usually arrives on the scene with endless positive energy that transforms a technical annoyance into an enjoyable interaction, regardless of how many other IT fires he has already put out that day.

The qualities that make him a star employee extend far beyond the campus. After spending his early years in foster care, Walton lived with his great-grandmother, but mostly, he was left to support himself. While many children might, understandably, lie flat under such unsupervised circumstances, Walton excelled academically and athletically at high school. He became the first person in his family to graduate from high school, and enrolled in college.

Walton seized the chance to enroll in Year Up, a program aiming to close the "opportunity divide" by providing young adults with the skills, experience, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through professional careers and higher education. Walton remains an active ambassador for the organization.

In June of 2007, armed with shining recommendations, Walton was hired as a temp (临时工)at MIT. He eventually worked his way up to where he is today-an invaluable asset (不可或缺的人)to three departments. "I do feel lucky to work at MIT," he says. "I've had the ability to tour the country sharing my story in hopes that some people may be inspired and employers may see young adults with tough backgrounds differently."

In addition to Year Up, he is involved with a number of organizations committed to helping young adults overcome their troubled pasts. This desire to have a positive impact on people's lives extends seamlessly into his work at MIT. "Giving back is very important to me," Walton says. "So many people have invested their time and energy into helping me, so I feel it would be an injustice not to do so."