The Genesis
She was just 17, carrying the weight of a life-changing secret—a secret she feared would disappoint her family and set her apart from her peers. As her classmates buzzed with excitement about college and the freedom that lay ahead, she walked silently among them, masking her sadness. They had dreams of exploration and endless possibilities. She had the reality of a baby growing inside her.
Society had already written her story. Pregnant out of wedlock? That meant welfare, a bleak future, or worse, no future at all. The whispers of stigma surrounded her, and many young women in her position had succumbed to the weight of judgment. But not her.
She refused to be defined by a mistake or to become a statistic. She made a decision, bold and unwavering: she would pursue her dreams, not despite her circumstances but because of them. Her mind was made up—she would rise above, not only for herself but for the life she now carried. She would become a living testament to what hard work, dedication, and perseverance could achieve.
It wasn’t easy, but she took the leap. With a ten-month-old baby in tow, she left the familiarity of home and embarked on her college journey. It wasn’t just her journey anymore—it was their journey. Together, they walked the path that promised endless possibilities.
She fought through sleepless nights and grueling days. The first year passed. Then the second. And then, against all odds, the fifth and final year arrived. She had done it. She had shattered the societal expectations that had sought to define her. She proved that her determination was stronger than the judgments of the world.
And then came graduation day. As she stood in her cap and gown, holding her diploma, she turned to look at her son. He was five years old now, his eyes shining with pride and love. She knelt before him, tears streaming down her face, and said, “We did it. But this is only the beginning of our journey.”
She has broken the cycle of poverty and illiteracy. She has proven that one decision, one made-up mind, could change everything.
I am SHE. This is MY story.
Nichole D. Alexander, Founder/CEO