Thank You From Ashley

A Message to Those Who Have Helped Me Along The Way
By: Ashley T. White

I would like to personally thank each of you for supporting me in both my educational pursuits and my life endeavors.  Your support has enabled me to continue my education at Howard University, and I am on track to graduate in May 2008.  Your presence in my life has assured me that people really care, have big hearts and want to see young people flourish in the midst of adversity.

Determination comes naturally to me because I have a passion to thrive.  However, it does not mean that a helping hand is not needed at times.  Not only do I have a desire to be successful and self sufficient, but I will not stop until my mission is complete and I thank those who have stood behind me cheering me on. 

Many of you have witnessed the obstacles and barriers I have had to overcome, but I have refused to let them divert my attention from “the prize”; which for me is to become a resilient teen mother, ensure the well being of my child, and graduate from Howard University.  I believe I have made wonderful progress these past four years and it would not have been possible without the support of  so many of you who stepped forward and contribute to the journey that is my life. 

I am very fortunate to have a group of supporters who counsel me and provide love and support when I have faced so many hardships.  The biggest hardship I faced was becoming pregnant at an early age, but I did not make the mistake of discontinuing my education and not living up to the true potential I know I possess.  During these challenging times, I needed comfort and it helped to know that falling didn’t mean that I failed.   Those of you who stood by me and showed you cared helped me realize that I could succeed.

Today, I am a living testimony that people can rise above flood waters even when they feel they are about to drown.  I have experienced some demeaning events in my life but they have not deterred me from taking control of my destiny.   Because I refused to give up on myself or my daughter, I am now a senior at Howard University majoring in Television Production with a minor in Human Development.  Upon graduating in May 2008, I plan to pursue a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling.

I am employed at a nonprofit organization that provides me the opportunity to talk to young women about self-esteem, healthy relationships, and the consequences of early sexually activity through a program called Our Voices Affect Our Choices.  I also have my own apartment and I can say that I am stable.  I am proud that I have been on the Dean’s List every semester, and that I am a positive role model for my daughter.  I truly feel that I have a story that can help others. It is a story of trials, triumphs, tests, gratitude, frustration, fortitude and determination.
Throughout my life, I have proven time and time again that no matter what life throws at me, I will not give up!  In closing I again want to thank each of you for your love and support in helping me to achieve my goal.