During the next several weeks leading up to Commencement, I will be featuring the stories of our outstanding students and graduates on this blog.  Below are the stories of Trinity graduates in the Class of 2018 in their own words.  I will keep adding stories as the days go by so if you are graduating and have a story to share, please send it to me on email president@trinitydc.edu or you can add your story in the comment section below.

Hard work and dedication run in my veins, I am the living product of the struggle of my ancestors. My hard work has earned me the privilege to be a 2018 Phi Beta Kappa inductee. My four years of dedication and sacrifice as starter for the Trinity Washington University soccer team has earned me the title of the 2018 MVP for Trinity’s soccer team. The highest recognition that the department of Trinity Athletics gives to one athlete every year was also awarded to me, Trinity’s Director’s Award. The opportunities that Trinity has to offer are priceless, but only if a student is determined enough to excel in them. The first day I stepped into the beautiful campus of Trinity Washington University (Friday, August 15th 2014), I knew that the sacrifices of my parents and ancestors had been worth it. Since that very day, I ran with the priceless blessing of education and never looked back.

(Photo above: with Brenda Alonso at Phi Beta Kappa induction)

Who would have thought that a female immigrant from Mexico would have accomplished so much? In the eyes of many, I was supposed to be something they could look down upon. It still comes as a shock to many that I have found my voice when I wasn’t supposed to have one. Then there are those who have always inspired me to strive for greatness. My mother and father, the friends that have become family, the founders of the Dream.US, the inspirational men and women at Trinity, and every single soul that has treated me with true equality. To everyone who has helped me become the strong woman I am today, I owe all my accomplishments to.

Trinity changed my life. After four years at such an empowering institution I have developed into a very complete woman. The opportunities to intern for the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) have inspired me to dedicate my life to for a higher purpose, Social Justice. The opportunity to be captain of the soccer team for three years and represent Trinity at the NCAA careers in sports forum in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2017 has inspired me to use my passion for soccer as a tool to inspire other young women in sports to reach their dreams. The awards I have been recognized with at Trinity have reminded me that good deeds are both noticed and needed. Finally, the feeling of pride to say that I will be a graduating from Trinity Washington University on May 19th, 2018 with a double major in Business and International Affairs has proved to me that the result of integrity and dedication is success.

My name is Brenda Alonso and I will forever be grateful to God for putting me in the path that lead to Trinity Washington University. Forever and Ever, Go Tigers!

August of 2012 began my career at Trinity Washington University.  I never thought it would take seven years of time, blood, sweat, and tears, but it has been a very fulfilling journey.  I was excited as any teenager, yet I was old enough to have teenage children.  While I have been at Trinity, they have grown up and have graduated from college themselves.  Their dad is the one lagging behind.

I spent many nights wondering what in the world I was doing.  I thought I was too old for this.  Some of my classes didn’t make sense, certainly not for someone who has seen half a century.  I remember taking Adolescent Psychology and I asked the professor, “What do you think you can teach me?  I’ve already raised two teens, a boy and a girl.”  I will admit I was a bit disrespectful when I asked that, but by the end of the course, my classmates would ask me rather than the instructor.  Even he asked me some things.  What I learned is that experience can trump a textbook.

Now that I am a senior, I look back to my accomplishments.  I have been featured on President McGuire’s blog.  I have been published in The Record twice.  I have been a student ambassador.  I sang in the Gospel Choir.  I reconnected with another student that I had gone to elementary school with.  We’ve known each other longer than just about any CAS student has been living!  Above all, I have made friends who will be my friends for the rest of my life.  I will never regret my choosing Trinity Washington University.

“A dream you dream alone, is not a dream. A dream you dream together is a reality.”

Five years ago (2013), while I was stopped at the bus stop of Trinity Washington University, waiting for my bus to come, I saw collegians leaving this beautiful building. I dreamed to see myself in this school, but at the same time was asking myself “How can I go to … a school like this, as an immigrant?” But no matter where you are from, your dreams are valid.  I was given an opportunity to attend this school one year later, without knowing that it’s the same school that I had dreamed about. Since then, I have started to handle three full time jobs, school full-time, work full time and my 8 years old son as a single mom. I have been told me by some of friends, “You cannot,” but I said “Yes I can.” … You can do anything you set your mind to!!! The mere existence of an idea, desire and passion is proof that you are meant to push through and do everything in your power to bring them to fruition.  Today I am so proud, no only about myself but about all those who helped to get through here. I didn’t commit it without you! Planning to pursue education through my CPA.  Thank you, Allah. Thank you my Parents. THANK YOU LIFT-DC. Thank you my son, I won’t be able to make it without you, Mohamed.

Watch this video of a TED talk that Sadhana gave in March about her journey:

For as long as I can remember, education has been a part of my identity. After I took a break from pursuing my degree previously, I promised myself that once I enrolled in college again, I  would never stop, until I reached graduation. My journey at Trinity has been one that I am both grateful and proud to have experienced. I cried, I complained,  but most importantly,  I continued. While it has been a constant juggling act, being a single mom, working full-time, and attending school full-time, I have somehow managed to pick up the ball each time I dropped it. I am inexplicably appreciative of my professors and my entire support system, because this was truly a labor of love. I would be doing my two sons a huge disservice if I selfishly claimed that I have achieved this goal on my own, as they have been my biggest motivation. After all, they made me a mom. The least I could do is make them proud. I will be going on to turn my passion into my profession, studying at the University of Maryland’s school of Social Work in the fall.

I started Trinity in August 2013 right after I graduated high school. I enrolled into Trinity with hesitation and fear because I didn’t know what to expect financially or academically from college. Since my freshman year I have received undying support from the Trinity staff and more specifically my professors and counselors. They have supported and influenced my decision in choosing my career path throughout the years. Meanwhile I was working to pay for tuition, books, and transportation. My fourth year at Trinity, I was diagnosed with diabetes, hospitalized for a ear infection, and riddled with personal issues that affected my mental state of mind. Throughout all of my struggles, I didn’t take a break from school. I kept going and that was because of the unwavering support from Trinity’s staff. I am pleased to announce that I MADE IT! With God on my side, I am graduating with more confidence in who I am and the impact I can make on the next generation. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4.

I am a first generation college graduate. I was born into a low income family and realized early on how important it is to do enough to get ahead versus do enough to just get by. Over the course of my studies at Trinity, I have completed a rigorous amount of community service hours, actively participated in all of my classes and even turned an unpaid internship into a full-time position. Even with my busy academic and work schedule, I have been serving as a primary caretaker for grandmother and younger sister, making sure to always pave the way and set a positive example regardless of the many challenges I was facing. My resilience has come from the influence of my grandmother and late aunt, and motivation from my younger sister. Over the course of my college journey, I have faced so many adversities. Regardless, I chose to persevere and allow adversity to be my professor. I plan to use my degree to create a career based on philanthropic values to help guide and empower young urban youth with all the tools they need to pull themselves up out of poverty and change the narrative. The time is now!

When I was in the process of applying to college, I couldn’t believe it. I applied to a lot of schools and Trinity was the only school that sent me my information in time after being accepted through an on-site admissions interview. My 5 year journey here at Trinity has been a long road. There were times when I felt that I could meet the standards that my mom expected of me. I want to thank everyone who has been a constant support system to me. My teachers, advisors but most importantly God and my family. My mom has always pushed me to do my best and never to give up. With her love and guidance, I will be her first child to graduate college. After graduation, I plan on working full-time as a Youth Health Educator at Whitman Walker Health. Thank You Trinity for preparing me for life after college and thank you to my family for always supporting my dreams and keeping me on a steady path of success.

My name is Janell Lacie Pruitt and I am graduating May 19^th with a masters in Strategic Communications and Public Relations. I chose to go to Trinity to receive my Master’s degree because during my journey to receive my Bachelors in Communication, I attended an all-girls school in North Carolina that equipped me with many tools to succeed professionally and personally. Although attending another all-girls school was not expected by family and friends, I knew I needed the support and love that comes with a school such as Trinity.

Currently I work at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a program analyst in the Recovery Directorate front office. My day to day consist of drafting responses to media inquiries, responding to congressional inquiries, and inquiries from disaster survivors regarding our disaster relief programs.

We are all aware that the 2017 hurricane season proved to be one of the most catastrophic to date.  The season produced 17 named storms of which 10 became hurricanes (six of those major)-including the first two major hurricanes to hit the continental U.S. in 12 years. There were millions of families affected and many are still recovering. During this time I worked 12 hour nights for weeks straight to assist disaster survivors with recovery efforts, all while attending class twice a week from 6:30-10p p.m. This is where my decision to attend Trinity proved to be the right one. Many of my classmates and professors were supportive and offered me their help, something I know I would not have received from a larger school. Although this time was physically and mentally existing, Trinity’s community helped me in ways that I will forever be grateful for.

Upon graduation I will take on more of a communications role for the whole directorate. This includes proving the Assistant Administrator of Recovery with a plan to better engage with our employees, as well as communicate externally to stakeholders our goals and objectives for 2018 hurricane season and beyond. During my time in this program I have learned many tactics, theories, and professional skills that will help me with executing this plan.

I can truly say that this program has not only prepared me for my role as a professional, but has introduced me to many lifelong friends. Graduating with a 3.6 GPA (will be higher after finals), being inducted into the Lambda Pi Eta communications honor society, and being invited to Trinity’s board luncheon are just a few of my highlights at Trinity. I hope to start my own Image consulting and public relations firm, something that I have always wanted to do but didn’t receive the inspiration to until I came to Trinity. This is a new chapter in my life that I am more than excited to encounter and I have Trinity to thank for that.

Abimbola

I may not be a Dreamer but I am a lady with a dream. It was my burning desire as a lady in the city of Lagos, Nigeria, to solve global issues around in the world and meet the needs of my community but I never could fathom how that would be a reality and so I felt burdened, unfulfilled and in despair. It was more like there was a missing piece, and then I struggled to make a meaning of what I felt. I began some soul-searching. Mine was a search for purpose, a search for fulfillment. My dreams began to take shape when I was accepted into Trinity Washington University to study Public and Community Health. I can say that Trinity has not only equipped me with the tools for advocacy and program planning but has also shown me the path to recognizing career opportunities in whatever form. Today, I attend international conferences where I have taken part as a delegate. I have discovered my strength, and I am not afraid to leave my comfort zone to achieve my dream. With my degree, I hope to be involved with international organizations where I would be privileged to solve the needs of children and women around the world. I am also grateful for the community of sisters who were not only classmates but more than a friend. They taught me the importance of lifting one another up.

The decision to return to college was not an easy one to make. Returning to college shows resilience. During the month of August, 2012, I began my start at Trinity Washington University at THEARC. I received my Associates of Arts degree in 2015. After receiving my AA degree from THEARC, I ventured to Main Campus to pursue my BA degree. During my college experience at Trinity, I met many diverse students and we became friends, being born and raised in Washington, DC. I was extremely overwhelmed by the openness, and inspiration we shared through learning at Trinity. I was already sold to the life of education. From the very beginning of my educational experience at Trinity Washington University my heart was set on receiving a Master’s Degree. I just love learning, and being a part of the establishment of education. Education is never ending to me, as are we that pursue it with an insatiable hunger to grow. It took clustering, brainstorming, questions, soul searching, and a lot of tears to accomplish my goals. During my career a Trinity I was given the opportunity to serve on the Student Advisory Council. Civilizations have been built and destroyed because of education; it has helped those that really wanted to see more than just what was in front of them. Education has been important to me since I was a child in elementary school. I will be graduating as a senior on Commencement day of May 18, 2018 with my BA degree in General Studies. I would  like to thank ALL the advisors and professors for an outstanding job well done.  I am a  single mother of four grown adults of whom I am very proud. My only son and youngest daughter both are graduates. My son is CEO of “Models Inc.” number one in the DMV. Choreographed “Remy Ma’s video, and worked with others such as “Trina” Niki Manaj stylist, 106 & Park “New Year’s Final Show” to name a few. Yes, I’m proud. My other two adults are working, no complaints. It has been truly a journey. Again, thank you for an awesome and proactive team at Trinity for pushing me forward when I was depressed about the many losses in my family circle. The wonderful team at Trinity taught me as we are never too old to learn, that “God got you” his angels surround you night and day, guiding you through the trials and tribulations life brings forth. Not to mention, my mom who never had a chance to further her education, because of the large family obligations and being the oldest daughter of eight siblings, this is for her, especially. In closing, I want to thank my father in heaven. AMEN.

Bernice and Herbert Pitts never attended college, but dreamed that I, their only child, would become a college graduate.  In 1996, I was awarded the opportunity to earn a college degree while on a full academic scholarship. But I did not finish, because I was selfish, lost focus, and was consumed by pride. I was not ready.

Fast forward to 2015. I had realized I would never fulfill my potential unless I completed my undergraduate education. I had learned that I was created and set apart by God for His purpose and for the benefit of others. I was ready to start again, but was I ready to finish? Unsure, I started my Trinity career by taking one class. Before the end of 2016, I was a full-time student and employed by Trinity part-time to serve as a tutor for my peers.

At times during my Trinity career, I have momentarily wanted to quit, thereby leaving my parents’ dream unrealized. But according to Psalms 37:23-25 of The Holy Bible, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

Thanks to the grace, love, and mercy of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the love and support of my natural, Trinity, and From the Heart Church families, I am now a magna cum laude graduate of Trinity Washington University! I am grateful that my parents are alive to see their dream fulfilled. I am ready to begin the next stage of my journey, which includes attending graduate school for social work and law school, so that I am better equipped to help those who are vulnerable, marginalized, and oppressed.

Perseverance and dedication defines my life struggles that I had to overcome with much patience and hopefulness for a better day ahead. Since I came from Peru in the early 2000’s I knew that the United States could offer my family and I better opportunities. After I finished high school I did not know what the future ahead would be like, being a Dreamer became my only hope to succeed in U.S. Thanks to many kind hearts and God I was able to accomplish my long dream.

I always believe that education is the key to success, thanks to Trinity Washington University and TheDream.US which gave me the opportunity to become a professional career woman. I am eternally grateful to God for the extraordinary professors at Trinity, that dedicate their lives to their students to adequately prepare them for their future careers. Additionally, I am currently interning for the second time at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in the Department of Cultural Diversity of the Church.  Being able to work for the Catholic Church has always been one of my dreams since my faith is a very important part of my life. During my time at Trinity I was elected for two honor society Sigma lotaRho the national Honor Society in International Studies, and Phi Alpha Theta the National History Honor Society. Graduating as an International Affairs major with double minoring in Political Science and Culture and Language will be one of my most valuable life achievements that I have ever attained.

I was inspired to pursue a career in education when, as a parent, I saw how paramount the influence of an educator can be in the life of children of all ages. I began teaching preschool at a DCPS school before I began my graduate studies at Trinity. My first year was not very successful. I was blessed to find Trinity’s graduate program and have made leaps and bounds since then! Each week, I would take the work I learned in class and utilize it with my students the next day.  As a result of the stellar education I received at Trinity, I have continued to improve my technique and practices, evidenced by my upward mobility on the DCPS IMPACT assessment system.  During my matriculation at Trinity, my passion for education has included significant work in social justice and early learning advocacy. My goal is to bring world-class educational opportunities and resources to marginalized groups, attempt to close the 30,000 word gap, and pull children out of the school-to-prison pipeline. Additionally, I will continue to promote and advocate for the importance of early education, especially early literacy. I’d like to thank my family for their continued support, the professors and staff at Trinity, and a special thank you to Dr. Steen who’s guidance and expertise is both inspirational and invaluable.

Attending school and receiving good grades was always my passion; however, after my mother died that all changed. My dream of becoming a college graduate seemed distant and a comment made by my high school counselor made my dream seem impossible. I will always remember sitting in his office to discuss my future, however, the conversation turned from feeling hopeful to complete hopelessness. Without hesitation, my counselor turned to look at me and in his deep voice he said “Miss Flentroy, you will not succeed in college.”  My heart sank, his words began to repeat in my head but something in my heart resisted his words, and I got up from my chair and politely told him that he was wrong. That day I cried because I thought my dream was destroyed by eight simple words. Those words always stuck with me and I continued to doubt myself.  After two years of community college, I applied to transfer to a four-year university, as one could imagine, I was nervous. Nevertheless to say, working hard in community college paid off and I received acceptance letters to all of the schools I applied to. I made the best decision of my college career when I decided to move from my hometown, Oakland, California to Washington, DC to attend Trinity Washington University for Fall 2015. I am forever grateful that Trinity accepted me because attending Trinity changed my life. There were bumps in the road and I was pushed to my fullest potential. However, looking back on my accomplishments at Trinity, I am proud to say that I made the Dean’s List three semesters. I was also inducted into 2018 Psi Chi Honor Society, and what I am most proud of is my last semester GPA of a 3.83. My journey is only beginning and I am hopeful and excited for my future. I would like to say thank you to my family, friends, professors, my mother (Rest in Peace), my dad, my sister Layla Zaid, my aunt Jasmine Pennix and especially to the two people that pushed me more than I pushed myself, my sister Dr. Shakila Flentroy & Rockelle Morris. I will always and forever be a Trinity woman!

Hard Working, determined, and persistent, are some of many strengths I have discovered about myself at Trinity University.  Successfully completed a B.A. Criminal Justice in 3.5 years while balancing studies with significant work and family responsibilities.  Since the first semester I always worked hard and never gave up on my dreams. In Fall 2014 I had the opportunity to start working on my dream at Trinity Washington University. I am grateful for the Dream.US and Trinity because they provided me the opportunity I was waiting for. Trinity professors and my Trinity sisters were important because without their support it wouldn’t have been possible to achieve my education. It was not easy but I was persistent and never gave up. It was significantly important for me to achieve a higher education because I want to make a difference in my community.  Being a role model for my son has been a priority because I want him to be inspired.  Today I am proud to say that I am the first family member to graduate from a university.  Words are not enough to explain how proud I feel of my successful accomplishment.  Through strategic course planning and hard work, I successfully completed well ahead of schedule my degree. It’s an honor to be a Trinity alumna because amazing powerful women surround me. At the end, all of the hard work and commitment has paid off.

My journey at Trinity Washington University started in the year of 2013. In the beginning, college was at first a new journey for me to start but I was ready. I had no idea of what I was getting myself into, but I knew whatever it took, I was going to become someone in life better than my old self. When I first arrived here, I had my mind set on being a pediatric doctor, but that changed due to numerous classes I was taking and new things I was learning daily. Now as a senior, I will be receiving my bachelor’s degree in Human Relations Saturday May 19th; class of 2018. With my degree I plan on becoming a medical social worker. It has always been my dream of helping others and spreading change amongst others. Reflecting on my life as being the only child to a single parent, I am glad I decided to further my education after high school because my mother never had the opportunity to go to college herself and because I saw it was more to life than just a high school diploma. Within my years at Trinity, nothing was peaches and cream, in which the workload sometimes was heavy and draining, working three part time jobs off campus while completing work study at Trinity as a writing tutor, also battling with personal problems at home, but somehow I managed it all and realized my strengths to overcome everything I was going through. My biggest motivation was my mother whom always supported me and encouraged me to stay focused on what it was I wanted in life. By her being a single parent, it was my obligation to finish college and make her proud. And now I can finally say to her, “Mommy I did it and I made you proud”. I will also like to thank God because he was there when I thought he wasn’t and made everything possible for me today.  Now that my undergrad journey has come to a closure, I know my journey of life doesn’t stop here. A new chapter is now waiting to begin. And I am more than excited to start. For the new comers that attend Trinity, I will like to leave a word of advice in which I would say, always dream big and go for what you want no matter what challenges you may face because nothing in life worth having comes easy.

I began the path towards obtaining a Masters of Business Administration at Trinity Washington University in January of 2016. With feelings of excitement and nervousness all in one, I contemplated how I was going to manage working full-time, attend classes twice a week until 10 p.m. and still coach my cheerleading team, attend games, and competitions. The courses were challenging and pushed me out of my comfort zone while forcing me to think outside of the norm. Professors were strict with tight deadlines but brought a wealth of knowledge. There were a lot of restless nights and long weekends but it was worth every moment. I owe a lot to those in my circle and support system!

One of my biggest take-a-ways is the network that I have built among my cohort and Professors. My journey at Trinity has been one that I am extremely proud of and I am grateful that I am able to take the things that I have learned and incorporate them into the workplace. Needless to say, I was able to do it ALL and managed to start Adrnas Solutions, LLC., a Woman-Owned Small Business that focuses on managing and developing projects ranging from Financial Services, IT services and Communications for government agencies. Within six months of starting my business, I have been able to utilize my network and knowledge from Trinity Washington University and land my first two work orders as the Deputy Project Manager at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Assets Sales Office and as a Senior Financial Analyst with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Credit Risk Management. I am excited to embark on this new journey and I am honored to be recognized as a Trinity Washington Alumna.

Coming to Trinity in August 2014 was one of my the best things that ever happened to me, I always wanted to know what did “Discover your strengths” means. So begin a first-year student I jump right into volunteering at Christ House on Tuesdays and Capital Area Food Bank on Fridays, I enjoyed volunteering and giving back to my community I received that gift from my Mother.  August 2016 I started my junior year at Trinity, a week before I moved back on campus I lost my mother to ovarian cancer, during that whole semester I was depressed and felt alone. Many nights I would cry myself to sleep in Kerby Hall and I isolated myself sometimes. However, I managed to continue going to all of my classes and completing my assignments because I knew that my mother would not have want me to take a semester off. Many people told me to take a semester off and cope with the loss of my mother but I knew that her spirit was right by my side through it all.  I am happy that I am graduating on-time and I truly when out with a bang, I finished my senior year with a 3.8 G.P.A and I always say “A Trinity Woman Never Gives Up” 

Langston Hughes in one of his poems once asked, “What happens to a dream deferred?”  During the fall semester when the request was made for stories from graduates to be posted on the blog, knowing that I only had one semester left, I began to give some thought to what I would say.  I came up with nothing.  I went back and forth with myself over and over again.  Fast forward to this semester when the request was made, I still had nothing, and made the decision that I would not write anything.  Today, as I sit in my office with tears in my eyes in a pensive mood, just four days from having a Master’s of Arts degree conferred with a 3.95 GPA, I have something to say.  Choosing to attend Trinity, and having them choose me has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.  I enrolled at Trinity as a non-traditional student, and walked in with a knapsack of trepidation.  My first semester here, after being out of school for so long and looking at all of the young faces, reminded me of an undergraduate Advisor from another local University.  During my prior course of study at that school, it was suggested that I look into another profession because I lacked the strength to prevent burnout in the field that I had chosen.  I was told that I would probably not be successful because at nineteen, it would be hard trying to juggle my one year old son, and the demands of a social work career.  After many courses here at Trinity with the many competent professors, I have learned that I am exactly what the “helping profession” needs.  I am able to be touched, and allow myself to feel the infirmities of others who have been held back and beaten down by the social injustices that plagued the community.  I am here to give voice, and a safe place to those that are underprivileged and under-served and feel they have nowhere left to turn.  You see I too, at one point, was an under-served and underprivileged youth here in this city.  As I age, I no longer remember all of the things that I did not have, or the names of the teachers who showed up for work every day, but appeared not to care.  What I can say without a doubt is that I will always remember the adults such as Mrs. Lane (my 3^rd grade teacher), Mrs. Smith (Junior High counselor), my mother (who gave all that she had to give), and all of the other adults who showed up and cared for me as I was in search of who I am.

Discovering my strength here at Trinity has helped me to see that I may not solve all the problems that exist, nor, will I always have the answers to a problem.  I now have the fortitude to approach situations and people with a clarity and understanding that something may exist that requires my empathy.  My story may not resonate with many of you, but it is mine.  It is one of a personal triumph and perseverance.  It is another chapter in the book of my life, and another rung on the climb to a dream deferred.

So what happens to a dream deferred?  You continue to search and chase after it because it is always waiting to be discovered.  It is yours, and no one else’s.  It will lie dormant and occasionally check in with you to see if you are ready to go. This is what happened to my dream deferred.  Come on dream!  Let’s go!  We are just getting started.

“I am fearless towards failure” has always been my motto since senior year of high school and it helped get me in and through college. As a young black girl from Southeast DC, I had to jump, dodged, roll, and tumble over a lot of hurdles. I’ve always been ambitious and eager to succeed but I never truly understood the meaning of fearless until I started Trinity Fall 2014. I built the confidence to advocate for what I believe in politically, socially, and economically. Also, I’m able to solve complex business problems thanks to courses such as International Business and Organizational Theories. I will apply this knowledge and confidence in my future career and education.  On May 19th, I will be graduating cum laude with a  B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance & Accounting and a minor in Economics. Leaving Trinity, I am starting my career at one of the big four accounting firms; Deloitte Consulting. I was nervous about going into a dominant male industry, but with the skills I gained here at Trinity, I know I can compete against the best! I’m aware of my strengths and weakness but I now know how to apply my strengths, and I learned ways to improve my weaknesses.  I am fearless not in spite of but because of the obstacles I faced and overcame. My new inner confidence and unbreakable spirit is what drives me to soar and is the fuel to my success.

Starting in my early years, I immediately had to mature quickly to maintain a safe home environment for myself, younger cousins and sickly grandmother. Not coming from your typical household, I unfortunately did not have an influential male figure to look up to, so I rebelled during my childhood years. As a result of changing multiple schools due to my behavioral issues and absences, I one day realized I had to make a change for myself. Four years ago, after receiving my undergraduate degree from Delaware State University, I had no desire to enroll into a Master’s program. To receive two degrees was just an underlining thought of mine, until I found Trinity Washington University. I enrolled in the university’s twenty-month Educational Administration program and got accepted. Not only did the university set a dream for me to believe in, it provided me with things far beyond my imagination. Towards the conclusion of the program, I found it has helped me grow professionally and personally as I prepare myself to become a school leader. The program instilled a framework that enhanced my understanding of ways to improve and support the quality of education for schools, staff, students and families. I learned how to advocate for others and trust that my philosophy of education will create change. I increased my knowledge of different academic content areas and skills such as critical thinking, communication, technology literacy and collaboration across departments. Throughout the program, I poured my heart and soul into my work and applied my beliefs. I recognized that I must talk less and listen more and not step into particular solutions too quickly. Lastly, without my cohort members I would not have made it to be the passionate and authentic leader that schools seek for. Their guidance and support expressed all characteristics of teamwork, trust and loyalty. After I obtain my master’s degree in Educational Administration, I will take the School Leader Licensure Assessment (SLLA). For the near future, I aspire to open up my own school called Precious Little Hands. I thank Trinity Washington University for all of the things it provided me with, they will follow with me life-long.

The household I grew up in, education was extremely important; sometimes getting good grades and doing your work was looked down upon by others: being called a nerd and getting made fun of for taking your education serious. I went to college right after high school. I tried the away from home thing, but it did not work for me; I could not take being away from my mother. I transferred, from Delaware State University, to Trinity after taking a semester off. The application process was simple, and their response was quick. Going into Trinity, I did not know what to expect, because it was an all-girls school. When I came to Trinity, I felt accepted and like I was not alone. I was put into the Honors program because of my high school performance. The advisors and teachers were so supportive; especially my advisor since I was a freshman, Dr. Gable. There were so many times I wanted to give up, because I felt like I could not handle it; I had nights crying and debating on if I should continue, but I am glad I did. I managed to overcome everything that was meant to break me down: physically, academically, and emotionally. I am finally able to say that I MADE IT! I am taking my degree and doing everything I dreamt of; NO ONE can take that from me. I will take every opportunity I am given and go from there. No matter how hard it gets, you must keep going. No matter how many people try to discourage you, keep going. I want to thank everyone who was on this journey with me and there to lend a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on; my family and friends that were supportive. But always remember this is YOUR life, follow your dreams. I am going hard for everything and proving some people’s stereotypical views that black girls from SE Washington DC or black girls period cannot amount to anything. I JUST PROVED YOU ALL WRONG! I will not live up to the stereotypes, and it is only up from here.