Born Thoroughgood Marshall, Thurgood was a strong-willed and intelligent young boy. As a second-grader, he decided to change the world starting with his name. Like most kids, Thurgood preferred to play than listen all day to his teacher. As punishment, a teacher had him read the constitution. This event would open his eyes to new opportunities. Thurgood realized he loved learning about the law! And, most importantly, that according to the Constitution of the United States of America, all people were created equal. This knowledge would set him on his path to becoming a supreme court judge.