Congratulations, Tasha
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Congratulations, Tasha!
SVS congratulates Tasha P. on graduating this month from SUNY Albany with her B.A. inLatin American Studies from the College of Arts and Sciences! Tasha was chosen as Youth of The Year for her extraordinary academic accomplishments and her grace in handling adversity.
Here is Tasha’s Story…
“I can envision myself, in the not-too-distant future, saying to a needy child, ‘Take my hand, and I’ll lead you to a better life, just like St. Vincent’s did for me,’ said Tasha.Tasha P.
Tasha P. is an incredible example of what love and guidance can do for a child.
Tasha had a difficult childhood. Her mom long battled the demons of drug addiction. In fact, the only mother she ever knew was her Aunt Linda – until Tasha turned four years old. That’s when her mother completed recovery and wanted Tasha back.
Unfortunately, the recovery didn’t stick and Tasha, a pre-schooler, was often left alone for days at a time.
One day, fearing for her mother’s safety, Tasha called the police. Tasha was removed from her mother and placed in foster care. For the next few years, from the time she was six to eight, her life was a jumble of foster care homes. She was in and out of school, living a chaotic life, and feeling increasingly insecure about herself while falling behind her peers academically.
Finally, Tasha found stability when she moved in with her aunt and uncle who found help with St. Vincent’s Services. With her new home and SVS’ support, Tasha started to blossom. In her sophomore year of high school, she interned at Howard University’s summer science program. Soon after she became president of her class.
Through the support of SVS and the American Dream Program, Tasha was able to attend college at SUNY Albany and pursue a rich student life by living on campus. In addition, Tasha was mentored by one of St. Vincent’s directors, John McDonough, who helped her land an internship at a major New York law firm.
Tasha says the most inspiring point in her college career came when she took a life-changing school trip to impoverished areas of the Dominican Republic. The trip inspired her worldview and set her on a promising career path.
“Seeing the plight of impoverished children helped me become more grateful for the people in my own life,” said Tasha, “I realized not every child has access to the wonderful opportunities at St. Vincent’s.”
While visiting the Dominican Republic, Tasha became motivated to give back. She credits God for giving her strength to let go of her past, and focus on her future. Today she has repaired her relationship with her mother, who has overcome her own obstacles.
At the end of this academic term, Tasha’s dream will come true as she walks across the stage to collect her diploma in Latino Studies and Political Science. Next up, she’s going to graduate school where she will pursue a degree in social work and a doctorate in law at New York University. She hopes to work with children who are going through difficulties similar to what she has faced.
