On Friday, December 4, nearly 50 volunteers including students from the Maya Angelou Public Charter School’s Young Adult Learning Center (YALC), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Groundwork Anacostia and UDC volunteered, continuing construction on and the beautification of East Capitol Urban Farm. Volunteers learned about urban agriculture and green infrastructure under the leadership of site managers Dr. Kamran Zendehdel and Harris Trobman, from the CAUSES Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), and constructed 20 raised beds and planted the remaining shrubs and trees. Read more here.
Romelle is a 2009 graduate of the Maya Angelou High Schoolââ¬âEvans Campus, member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, New Futures Scholar, and a freelance make-up artist. She is currently enrolled at the University of the District of Columbia Community College in Paralegal Studies and works full time at Baker Hostetler LLP as a Trademark Formalities Specialist.
Although Romelle has accomplished a great deal, her life hasnââ¬â¢t been a proverbial crystal stair. In 2007, her mother passed away, changing Romelleââ¬â¢s life forever.
Romelle remembers, ââ¬ÅI was thrust into independence. I was a high school student at Maya Angelou. Ironically, at the time of her death, most of my classes were teaching us about the importance of setting goals and holding ourselves accountable. I applied those lessons to almost every area of my life. I had to. I struggled to support myself financially, but I made it work. I would make plans, hold myself accountable, and see the plan through.ââ¬Â
Now, Romelle plans to become an accredited patent attorney and she is well on her way. With her New Futures Scholarship of $6,400, Romelle hopes to obtain an Associate in Applied Science degree as a Legal Assistant in the next couple of years. From there, she plans to earn a Bachelorââ¬â¢s Degree, graduate Law School, and take the Patent Bar Exam.
Romelle believes, “If I didnââ¬â¢t have it so hard, I wouldnââ¬â¢t be so great. I am motivated, determined, and focused. I am grateful to have the Office of Alumni Support in my corner and looking forward to expanding my support system.ââ¬Â
We are so proud of Romelleââ¬â¢s spirit of industriousness, her grit, and her volition to persevere. Shout out to you, Romelle! Stay motivated, determined, and focused.The Maya Family is looking forward to having a barred patent attorney as part of the alumni family!
