Pushing for Greatness and Equality
I am currently in college while advocating for youth by building not just a mentoring group but bridging the gap in my community between people of authority and young people of color.
Being the youngest of seven, life was a challenge. It wasn’t a bad life, but I knew I wanted better for myself. My mother was sick for as long as I can remember. My older sisters went off to college and pursued their careers. As for my twin brother and me, we spent most school days staying home to take care of my mother. Although she was married, my dad had substance abuse issues.
When I started high school, I found my passion for entertaining others and being the voice for my fellow youth. When I first attended Cardozo Education Campus, I knew I wanted to be in the spotlight, so I started joining clubs and speaking events. One day I was introduced to my mentor, my big sister and my Communities In Schools site coordinator Ms. Monique Baker. From there my life took a turn for the better.
She saw in me what others didn’t. I never was good in school academically, but I knew what I enjoyed, and she saw that I had a passion for advocating for justice. One I graduated high school I assumed that would be the end of our relationship, but I was wrong.
When my mother passed away Ms. Baker never left my side. And the fact that we were from a similar background made our bond even stronger. Once I decided I wanted to attend college she was there through the whole process.
Fast forward to my life now, and although adversity and other difficulties still find me, without my relationship with God and Ms. Baker I don’t believe I would have found my passion in public speaking. I am currently in college while advocating for youth by building not just a mentoring group but bridging the gap in my community between people of authority and young people of color. I am grateful for CIS because without having this beautiful support system I don’t believe I would have continued to push hard for greatness and equality.
