A Life Changed Forever

“If I had to choose a topic tonight, it would be Jarmika ‘Look at me now.’ I am the fourth child of eight children, living with my mother and grandmother in a two-bedroom house. I never met my biological father; I never experienced what it is to have a father in the home.

“There were times we did not know where the next meal was going to come from, but God always made a way for us. I thank God for my grandmother, who kept me in her prayers and who always said to me, ‘Baby, always be thankful because there are people out there who are selling themselves to make ends meet.’

“One day a friend of mine invited me to the Highland Youth Club. I wasn’t sure I wanted to attend, but I finally made up my mind to attend and that’s when I met this amazing lady, Ms. Prescola (Williamson, community coordinator). She taught me a lot with her dedication, commitment and honesty.

“I listened and tried to do whatever she said. She would always tell us what the Bible said and then tell us if we had a problem to take it up with God. At this point, I knew in my heart that my life was about to change forever.

“When I came to Youth Club, I did not care about a lot of things. I just wanted to do what I wanted and that was it. But soon I had to learn the hard way that I needed to be kind and respectful to others, no matter who they are, and to respect myself and to help and give back to others. Most importantly, I learned to get my spiritual life back in order.

“Through Youth Club, I was able to get a mentor who helped me physically, emotionally and spiritually. She taught me how to build my self-esteem and be confident in myself. She motivated me to dream big and be responsible for my own success. I would like to thank Shelley Gray for her love and support.

“Last but not least, special thanks to Mike Leonard (AKA Uncle Mike) for believing in me when nobody else really did and for the love and support shown in my life, and for being like a father to me. I love you.

“Look at me now. I am very grateful for the persons God put in my life through Community Renewal. I am very thankful for the friendship, the love and the kindness.

“Look at me now. I am the first to graduate from high school in my family. I am the first to make the Honor Roll and the Principal’s List at both Byrd High School and Hamilton Terrace Learning Center. I am the first to go to college. I am attending Louisiana Technical College, majoring in nursing.

“Look at me now. Here I am standing in front of you sharing how Community Renewal has changed my life. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could stand here today. My faith in God has been strengthened and I care now more than ever for my neighbors. I help other students by volunteering my time between school and work to build their self-esteem.

“Thank you Community Renewal for helping me through this lifelong journey. I really appreciate you.”