Yolanda: Persistent in Accomplishing Her Dreams

“My name is Yolanda Reed and Communities In Schools has changed the trajectory of my life for the better. I am extremely honored to share with you all my educational experiences and how this organization has guided me towards earning my Associate of Arts degree this upcoming May at Lone Star College.  

My journey began over 30 years ago in 1991, when I graduated high school Cum Laude and started my freshman year at Sam Houston State University. My sights were set on earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, but my first and only semester at Sam Houston ended with me giving birth to my first child.

Nevertheless, the ambition to take control of my life and to seek my degree never left my mind.  

In 2016, I enrolled in Lone Star College, but soon the stress and challenges of life interrupted my progress.  I stopped taking classes once again. For the next few years, I reverted to balancing family and work priorities, until suddenly, COVID-19 halted our lives. As disastrous as the virus was, in many ways, an advantage that emerged was the unexpected free time that allowed me to pursue my degree. 

While taking a class at the Conroe Center, I stumbled across an event where I met Tanya Shelby, a program manager with Communities in Schools.  It is this relationship that empowered me to overcome personal challenges and more importantly, to stay in school.  

To begin with, I was invited to share my goals and any struggles that may impede them. Mrs. Shelby actively listened and addressed specific challenges that could leave me vulnerable and prone to abandoning my pursuits. At this time, I was working three jobs, going to school full time, had just moved, and was getting my son settled in after regaining custody. I was completely overwhelmed. The stress was so severe that I was hospitalized. I was in ICU for several days, and my vision was literally impacted. 

To mitigate these stressors, Mrs. Shelby assisted me with her best efforts and care. She helped me with visual aids, rental assistance, holiday meals, recommendations to secure needed supplies for my son, and emotional support.  Recently, she scoured a job fair and called me over so she could introduce me to a potential employer who had an opening that would fit my needs and abilities perfectly. That interview was unique because it was the first that I’ve attended with my newly acquired knowledge. It made all the difference. Similar, to the Thanksgiving meals she donated to my family that brought us together after the pain and hurt of the divorce separated us. 

Mrs. Shelby has been consistently invested in my progress and together we have met every challenge. I was never wait-listed, turned away, or handed a flyer. Through her leadership, Communities in Schools has helped me to break the cycle of starting and stopping the pursuit of reaching my dream.  

In short, the hardships were persistent and so am I.  

To Communities In Schools, Thank You!  

To all your invested partners, Thank You! 

 And last but certainly not least, To Mrs. Shelby … Thank You! 

Thank you all for helping me achieve in life!”