Awa – A Journey of Determination, Resilience, and the Power of Education

When she was just six years old, Awa asked her mother if she could go to school. It was an unusual request in her family, none of her older sisters had excelled in school, and her mother had nearly given up hope that any of her daughters would succeed academically. After much thought, her mother agreed, it was the start of an incredible journey.

Throughout her education, Awa demonstrated a solid commitment to learning. She consistently earned excellent grades, attended classes on time, and diligently completed her assignments. Her dedication paid off when she graduated from high school with honors, making her mother immensely proud.

Determined to further her education, she was given the opportunity to pursue a college degree. However, without a scholarship, completing her degree immediately was not financially possible. Rather than letting this obstacle deter her, she continued to learn on her own, exploring subjects ranging from computer programming to child care. She never gave up on her dream of finishing her education.

That dream took a significant step forward when she discovered the Carlos Rosario School. Enrolling in the ESL program, she found not just education but also a supportive community that encouraged her to keep striving for more. Inspired by the dedication of the teachers and staff, she enrolled in the IT Fundamentals course, where she realized that opportunities abound for those who work hard.

Her journey at Carlos Rosario School continued with the Bilingual Teaching Assistant Training Program, which she successfully completed in 2022. During her time in the program, she applied for and was awarded the Achieving the Dream Scholarship. 

Her instructor, Kaylin Wainwright, praised her dedication: “In this Career Training program, Awa demonstrated her commitment and dedication to the field of education. Her contributions to class discussions enriched her classmates, and her diligence in assignments and coursework was notable. She acted as a class leader on group projects and math lessons, sharing her knowledge and experience with others.”

Awa continued to shine in her studies. As a Carlos Rosario School graduate and scholarship recipient, she was inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honorary Society for nontraditional students, a distinction reserved for the top 20% of students at The Catholic University of America. Recently, Awa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Management from the university’s Metropolitan School of Professional Studies, having completed almost two-thirds of the program with an impressive 3.93 GPA.

Awa is getting close to making her dream come true. She used her IT and management skills to start a small business. Every day, she helps eight people get their catering orders delivered.

Reflecting on her journey, she credits the Carlos Rosario School for providing her with the foundation and encouragement to continue reaching for her goals.

“My education will not only benefit me but also my family, friends, and community. What I’ve learned here can be used to make a difference in the lives of others. I am incredibly grateful to the Carlos Rosario School and its administration for giving me this chance at a brighter future.”