Teenagers Overcoming Challenges: Two Students Win Scholarships for College Dreams
Gabrielle Allen and Tamyah Kamille Dockery, two inspiring teenagers from Chicago, have overcome numerous obstacles to secure scholarships for their college dreams. These determined young women, both 18 years old, demonstrated exceptional perseverance and resilience.
Gabrielle Allen, a graduate of Kenwood Academy High School, worked tirelessly throughout her high school years to provide for her family. With her single mother unable to care for her and her siblings, Allen took on the responsibility of working two jobs while maintaining her academics. She worked at Pizza Hut and Harold’s Chicken, juggling her job commitments with her studies. Despite the physical and emotional exhaustion she experienced, Allen refused to give up on her dreams.
During her junior year, Allen realized that she needed to improve her grades if she wanted to secure a spot in college. Supported by her close friends, she made a concerted effort to excel academically during her senior year. Her hard work paid off when she tied for second place in the Revie Sorey Trunk Scholarship Celebration. This scholarship program, named after former Chicago Bear Revie Sorey, recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to education and employment.
Allen, along with three other top finalists, will receive a gift card prize to help with their college expenses. She plans to attend the University of Massachusetts Boston in the fall and pursue a major in psychology. Allen aspires to become a family therapist, eager to break down generational barriers and traumas within Black families.
Tamyah Kamille Dockery, a graduate of Percy L. Julian High School, is another remarkable student who has secured a scholarship for her college journey. Dockery, with a passion for television shows like Criminal Minds and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, aspires to become a criminal psychologist. Her interest in mental health and her desire to make a difference led her to pursue this field. Dockery kept herself busy during high school with various activities such as the National Honor Society, Working on Womanhood, debate club, and flag football.
Dockery, a resident of West Pullman, plans to attend Xavier University Louisiana. She emphasized the importance of a postsecondary education in facilitating personal growth and enabling her to contribute to society effectively. Dockery was pleasantly surprised when she was announced as a second-place winner, just one day before the scholarship ceremony.
Roman Chambers, the first-place winner, also had his dreams come true with a scholarship to help him pursue his passion for computer science at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Chambers, a graduate of Chicago Tech Academy, has been fascinated with technology since childhood. Despite facing challenges such as narcolepsy, for which he has been on medication since he was 12, Chambers remained determined.
Chambers emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not allowing others to change who you are. He cherishes his individuality and intends to save the prize money for essential books when he begins his college journey.
These inspiring stories of resilience and determination highlight the triumph of teenagers overcoming challenges to pursue their dreams. Gabrielle Allen, Tamyah Kamille Dockery, and Roman Chambers serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for young people facing adversity. Their accomplishments remind us that hard work, determination, and a strong support system can help us overcome any challenges that come our way.
