My name is Veronica Tate. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in human resources. At the age of 15, I was admitted into the foster care system in Orange County, California. After many failed attempts to integrate into various homes, I found myself in a last chance group home. The program was different. The rules were created individually, to give each resident the best chance at success. My program enabled me to work fulltime and homeschool. I managed to graduate two months ahead of my class and leave the program. Eleven months after leaving, I had my first child. My new life became working any job that enabled me to care for my growing family. I have been homeless with my children, abused for the sake of a roof, and survived a score of other challenges. I am glad to say that I succeeded in my efforts. I have two college graduates and one high school graduate. My children are well on their way to success. During my second child's college journey, she really struggled to maintain and wanted to quit. I have always told my children to do and be better than I was. I've always had a love for school and this seemed like the right time to revisit my education. I enrolled in an online program. My daughter took this as a challenge to finish before I did. I am happy to say, she did it. My Parent Plus loan got her through the #1 HBCU in the country. I am now determined to finish my program in May, 2022. I plan to find my place in a nonprofit program that will help to guide young people who are currently facing the challenges I have conquered.

I've always told my children to be better than me. As a young single mother, I have always had to choose my children over advancing my education. I worked hard and successfully produced two college graduates. I spent my teen years in foster care. Having a child within a year of graduation taught me a hard lesson. I worked hard to guide my daughters away from the mistakes I have made. My mother told me and I told them that I can give you the knowledge for free or life can teach you the lesson for a fee. The lessons I learned were invaluable. They are part of the reason I am pursuing my degree later in life. I made choices and the cost was choosing to work two jobs to make sure my children had every opportunity. Now that my children are adults, it is my turn to be the best person I can. e I was fortunate to work for the American Red Cross for some years. This experience has shown me how diverse cultures are able to work together for a common goal. I want to be able to continue to guide our young black women by creating opportunities for them. My final aspiration is to create a foundation that will continue the fight to place our teens in part time positions within corporations. This will help them to see different levels of education at work. Participating in these programs may help some of these young women identify the passion that will lead to their success. I have a Spelman graduate and this makes every sacrifice I have made worth it. I am now the proud grandmother of three future Spelmanite legacies. I want to continue to inspire my family by reaching and exceeding my goals. Veronica Tate