May 22, 2009

 

DARA AYANA TEKOLU IS THE FIRST IN HER FAMILY TO GRADUATE FROM COLLEGE

To the dedicated staff of the Mayor's Youth Program, Many times, we don't always realize when angels in disguise become present in our lives. As I reminisce on my matriculation through college I realize that graduation would not have been possible had it not been for some of the people I encountered. Because of this, I humbly write this letter and I passionately thank every member of the Mayor's Youth Program staff.

Right before graduating from high school, Mayor Franklin came to speak with my graduating class at Booker T. Washington in 2005. She had so many expectations for us, so much hope in us, and because of this, she promised that she would do anything possible to assure that we all attended college. As my peers and I sat and listened, we believed her because she was the Mayor of the City and who else besides her could make something like this happen? We never questioned her ability, yet we questioned her devotion. There had never been anyone who had promised something so big and believed in a group of students so large. Needless to say, Mayor Franklin stood firm to her word and made it possible for us all to receive post secondary education.

I truly appreciate everyone who tirelessly works for the Mayor's Youth Program but I would like to especially thank some who touched me in a special way. I enjoyed calling to tell of my progress in school and I enjoyed visiting on my breaks but the time I came back with a surprise for the staff, I thought things would get sour. I was pregnant and some of the other cheerleaders I had acquired in high school had stopped rooting for me. Next step did just the opposite. To Ms. Deborah Lum, Mr. Virlyn Ellis, and Ms. Pat Koch, You three people were there for me when nobody else was. You unselfishly embraced me while I was with child and never let me go, You made sure I was treated fairly, received the same benefits as the rest of the students, and made sure that my daughter and I were well taken care of. I came to alt of you with personal and educational concerns and you listened, responded, and acted in my favor. Words can't thank you enough.

As a recent graduate of Georgia State University, I realize that dreams aren't as farfetched as they may seem. Thank you once again to the Mayor's Youth Program for helping me to take the next step. I have been a statistic my entire life because I have lived in low income communities. I am now proud to say that I am a statistic of success. I am the first person in my family to graduate from college with a Bachelor's degree. I appreciate, thank, and praise you all for encouraging me to take the next step which has afforded me longevity in success.

-Dara Ayana Tekolu