By Arzennie Owen
Terrin has had a hard life. Probably not as hard as some. She has lived through several abusive encounters, neglect and for the most part to find for herself. The most stable person Terrin has had is a praying grandmother.
Terrin’s grandmother is filled with joy as she watches her oldest grandchild finally make it to the college door. Not only has she made it to the college door but, she opened the door and went in. There she connected with the right people and has been accepted into culinary management, a three-year program at The Art Institute in Sacramento.
She has attended some church. There is something within her that lead her to step out of her comfort zone. Without resources or transportation. She has unbelievable drive and faith that she is going to make it despite her circumstances. This young lady with odds against her, with her grandmother’s encouragement. She will make it to graduation and on to open her own business.
I write this to encourage other young people who do not have someone to encourage you. You may have no resources but you have a made-up mind along with motivation to get the job done. You will succeed. Believe in yourself and your higher power.
I am here to encourage you as you take your rites of passage in becoming a productive citizen in your community. Sometimes reaching out to those who need us means coming out of our comfort zone to help them reach their full potential. An old African proverb says “it takes a village to raise a child.” It also takes a village to help our young people reach their dreams.
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