Below is the transcript of Shy'heema's speech at The Care Center's 2024 Annual Fundraising Party: Hello, good evening. My name is Shy’heema Reid. I am 22 years young and I'm a Taurus. I left school when I was 16 because of an incident in my life that made me lose myself. I am honored to be a mother to a beautiful baby girl, Jordyn. She saved my life. Looking into her eyes when she was born, … [Read more...] about Shy’heema is Changing the Future
Student Writing
Ziona on Finding Individuality as One of Seven Siblings
Joanita and Ziona Young, are a mother and daughter who attended Bard Microcollege Holyoke at the same time. They spoke at our 2023 Fundraising Party about studying together and finding themselves. Read Joanita's speech here I’m Ziona Young. I grew up in a large family -- one of seven siblings. We all had similar and unique names. Five of them starting with the same letter- Ziona, … [Read more...] about Ziona on Finding Individuality as One of Seven Siblings
Joanita on Studying Alongside her Daughter
Joanita and Ziona Young, are a mother and daughter who attended Bard Microcollege Holyoke at the same time. They spoke at our 2023 Fundraising Party about studying together and finding themselves. Read Ziona's speech here I’m Joanita Young, a homeschooling, divorced mom of seven children ages seven to 23. I enjoy going to museums and art galleries. I love to sew and make soap and anything to … [Read more...] about Joanita on Studying Alongside her Daughter
Jacqueline Velez and the Call from Oprah
Good evening everyone! My name is Jacqueline Velez. I am the proud mom of a 27 year old daughter who will soon be heading off to college and a 10 year old boy who loves Basketball. Who knows? You may be looking at the mom of the next Shaquille O’Neal. I am also a proud graduate of Bard Microcollege Holyoke. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, dropped out of school in the ninth grade and had my … [Read more...] about Jacqueline Velez and the Call from Oprah
