My school choice story begins in New Orleans, the city where I was born and raised. On August 23, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit, leaving my family—along with many others—devastated. Our home was destroyed, and my parents lost their jobs. For a time, we lived out of my mom’s car. Despite these hardships, my parents were faced with an important decision: the type of education they wanted me to receive. Although we were struggling just to afford gas, my mother knew from her own experiences in the public school system that she wanted something different for me.
It was then that she heard from a friend about the Louisiana Scholars Program, a voucher initiative that offered the possibility of a quality education we couldn’t otherwise afford. To her, it felt like a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. She went to St. Mary’s Academy, where she pleaded with the administrators to accept me. Thankfully, they listened.
From Pre-K through 12th grade, I attended St. Mary’s Academy, and it became a place where I thrived. I excelled both academically and socially, made close friends, joined several student organizations, and graduated as valedictorian. My achievements earned local recognition, and I was awarded over $1 million in scholarships.
Today, I am a junior studying Biology at my dream HBCU, Howard University.
Looking back, I know I wouldn’t be where I am without my mother’s determination to secure the best educational opportunities for me. I was fortunate to have the freedom to choose my educational path, but I believe that choice should be a right, not a privilege.
Every family deserves the opportunity to decide what type of education is best for their children. My mother was a pillar of hope and strength for me, and now I want to be that same advocate for my community.
