Washington had secured a job at the coal-mine adjacent to the salt-furnace. While working he overheard a bunch of people talking about a school for black people in Virginia. They also added that the school would offer the students an opportunity to work while learning trade. This made Washington decide to move to Hampton. He wanted to work for Mrs. Viola Ruffner, the wife of the owner of both the coal mine and the salt furnace. In order to save money, he would sleep on the sidewalks. Washington arrived to Hampton with fifty cents in his pocket. The sight of the school building caught his eyes and gave him a hope of the beginning of a new life. He went to the head teacher for the admission procedure but he was sent back saying that there was no vacancy whereas he saw other children being admitted after him. He concluded that he was rejected because of his shabby appearance which was because of lack of food, shelter and bath. After waiting for hours, he was asked to sweep and dust the adjacent room. After careful inspection of the room, the teacher approves his admission to the school and offers him a job at the post of a janitor. Hampton changed the way of living for Washington. He got regular meals to eat, used silverware and napkins and took bath regularly.