If you look up the definition of determined, you will find a picture of Terrell High School senior Amaya Richmond. In just two years, Amaya will have accomplished what it takes most high school students to do in four - graduate with her Associate Degree. Her road to success, however, was paved with numerous bumps along the way.
During her first two years of high school, Amaya faced a number of challenges. “I didn’t want to go to school. I had a bad attitude and my grades suffered,” she shared.
Amaya expressed that she always felt “less than” and that she held onto a lot of resentment and anger. “My family did not have a lot of money and we struggled. I never got to go school clothes shopping and I didn’t want to share what I was going through with my friends because I didn't think they would understand. Quite frankly I was ashamed,” she said.
The summer before her junior year, Amaya was given the opportunity to attend a six week Upward Bound program at Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas. The program allowed her to live on campus, take various classes and tour college campuses across the state. Amaya said that the experience changed her perspective.
“I woke up one day and realized I didn’t want this for my life. I have the tools at school at my disposal to do something about my circumstances and I am going to do something with my life.”
With this new mindset, Amaya paid a visit to Terrell High School counselor, Stefanie Lassiter, at the beginning of her junior year and shared that she wanted to enroll in dual credit classes. Thanks to the district’s partnership with Trinity Valley Community College, Terrell High school students can enroll in college classes while in high school free of charge.
Because most high school students begin taking dual credit their freshman year, Amaya had a lot of catching up to do. To catch up she had to take five college level classes each semester on top of her regular high school courses. Amaya also took college classes in the summer.
As if this challenge wasn’t already enough, Amaya also took on two part time jobs. She shared that within two months she saved up enough money for a car and bought herself a 2014 Chevy Cruz. “It’s not much, but it gets me from Point A to Point B,” she said. And, most importantly as any girl who is into fashion would agree, she was able to purchase school clothes for herself.
Amaya expressed gratitude for Ms. Lassiter and also her favorite teacher, high school history teacher Sara Pizzini. “Ms. Lassister is my BFF,” she shared. “She is amazing at her job and always offers solid advice.” As for Ms. Pizzini, Amaya shared that she looks up to her. “Ms. Pizzini is so passionate about teaching that it makes me passionate about learning. I admire her and I want to be like her.”
Amaya is currently enrolled in nine college hours this fall and will take nine college hours in the spring. She will graduate with her Associate Degree two weeks before she graduates from high school. During this time, she has made all A’s and only one B in her college classes and both her GPA and Class Rank have improved.
After high school, Amaya’s dream is to become an attorney. She plans to attend college to obtain her bachelor’s degree with the goal of being accepted into law school.
Amaya’s story is a testament that it is never too late to accomplish your goals and to never under any circumstances compare yourself to others. “Comparison is the thief of joy and that is what I was doing,” she shared. “And I don’t compare myself to anyone, anymore. My journey is my own.”