I have a text file and would like to import it into MATLAB and make it a list:

```
Person1
name = steven
grade = 11
age= 17

Person2
name = mike
grade = 9
age= 15

Person3
name = taylor
grade = 11
age= 17

```

There are a few hundred entries like these above. Each are separated by a blank line. I was thinking I could scan the text and make the information between each blank line into an item in the list. I also would like to be able to look up each person by name once I have a list like the one below.

I want something like:

```
x = [Person1         Person2       Person3      
     name = steven   name = mike   name = taylor
     grade = 11      grade = 9     grade = 11
     age = 17        age = 15      age = 17]

```

This seems very straight forward but I have been having trouble with this so far. I may be overlooking something. Anyone have any ideas or advice?