Sha'Meka arrived at the Methodist Home's emergency shelter in the middle
of her senior year in high school. Despite having to leave her home and
her hometown school, she graduated on time and with excellent grades. She
set an example to other residents on campus about the importance of persevering
through the obstacles.
Sha'Meka never got along with her step-father. Their arguments were
not solved with words, but rather physical abuse. One day the violence
nearly ended her life. Fortunately her brother found her in time
to call 911.
"I hated my situation. I lived a childhood where I always had to watch my
back. I had to grow up way before my time," she said. "I kept my
strong faith that God would see me through anything."
Sha'Meka said, "Just look at me. I am a prime example that you can rise
above anything in life. Unfortunately, I lived in a home where hitting was
okay, but now I am proof that you can overcome the obstacles.”
Sha'Meka started college this fall with lofty plans to become a criminal
justice lawyer. "I'm not exactly sure what type of cases, but I think I could be
good at drug cases," she said. Her plans to become a lawyer require seven
years of college and law school, as well as an internship with a private firm.
Right now she's running the 100 meter and 400 meter dash on the track
team. She's fast, too—her 100 meter dash is 11 seconds. "I'm pretty fast for a
girl," she said.
"I'm so proud of Sha'Meka," said Sondra, her Methodist Home Therapist. "She
has always persevered, when most people would have given up. She keeps going
even when it looks impossible."
In her dorm room, Sha'Meka had pictures, cards and letters taped to
the wall above her bed from many friends congratulating her. She
is one of the first people on her mother's side of the family to
attend college.
We are proud of Sha'Meka, too! We know that her personality and perserverance
will be an example to many other children who reside at Our Home.
Sha'Meka wanted me to THANK EVERYONE who helped her overcome the
obstacles.
|
Sha'Meka successfully graduated from High School despite many obstacles,
including leaving her hometown in the middle of her senior year. She's
currently attending college, studying Criminal Justice, and running track.
Sha'Meka sits on her dorm bed and wraps herself in the quilt she received
while at the Methodist Children's Home. |
