Submitted by Jamie Love
My life embodies the essence of persistence, epitomized by the quote, "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." As a first-generation graduate, I emerged from a childhood shadowed by adversity. Raised by a brave single mother amidst paternal abandonment, poverty, and domestic violence, my family fought for survival. We subsisted on government provisions and the meager yield of a backyard garden, and my dreams of higher education seemed distant against this backdrop of hardship.
In 1997, while my peers ventured into higher education, my reality was stark: no financial support and a mother unable to fund my dreams. Undeterred, I pursued higher learning with sheer determination. Thanks to a Pell grant and scholarships, I enrolled in a local community college. My days blended into nights, balancing a demanding 40-hour job as a department store stocker, full-time classes, and assignments that stretched into early morning hours. This relentless pursuit mirrored the river's unwavering journey through solid rock.
My educational odyssey persisted, leading to a bachelor's degree in photography from Ringling College of Art and Design. Juggling a full-time job at a camera store, part-time work-study in the photo lab, and a challenging photography course load, I prevailed. Financial struggles haunted me, forcing me into desperate measures, like stealing food from the college cafeteria and living out of my car for several months. Yet, these challenges only fueled my determination, akin to the unyielding flow of a river shaping its course against all odds.
In 2003, I emerged as the first-generation graduate, breaking barriers and embarking on a 20-year career as a professional photographer. However, life's challenges resurfaced in 2022. As now a single mother of three myself, battling poverty and domestic violence, I made a pivotal decision. Fueled by a desire to address mental health disparities, I pursued a master's degree in mental health counseling through The Chicago School. This journey has been filled with sleepless nights, mounting student loan debt, and the chaotic homeschooling schedules of my three children, but has proven to be a testament to the power of my relentless determination.
My pursuit is not just personal; it's generational. Completing my mental health counseling master's degree signifies a brighter future for my family, breaking the cycle of poverty. With a 4.0 GPA and unwavering resolve, I am setting a precedent for generations to come and providing my children with an example of how anything we imagine can be possible.
In conclusion, I believe my story embodies the transformative power of persistence. Like a river carving through rock, my journey from poverty to education is a testament to human resilience. Overcoming obstacles and defying statistics, I am paving the way for future generations, proving that with unyielding determination, dreams can be realized, and barriers can be broken.