The Power of Belief: A Journey from Mt. Healthy to Stanford Law School

I’ve had the privilege of working with many amazing students throughout my career, but there’s one story that stands out as a true testament to the power of belief, community support, and perseverance. It’s the story of Tiyana Graves, a student at Mt. Healthy Jr./Sr. High School, who was accepted into Stanford Law School’s Intensive Law & Trial 2023 Summer Program.

When Tiyana first shared the news with me, she was ecstatic. It was a moment she’d dreamed about for years, a big step toward her goal of becoming a lawyer. But soon, the excitement turned to worry. While she had earned a spot in the prestigious program, the financial burden was overwhelming, and she wasn’t sure how she could make it happen.

At that moment, I knew I couldn’t just stand by and watch her dreams slip away. I rallied together the resources I had, started a GoFundMe campaign, and worked closely with Tiyana to help her advocate for herself. With a strong network of support, we were able to raise $3,175 through GoFundMe and an additional $2,000 in cash donations. This support not only helped cover the cost of the program but also showed Tiyana that she wasn’t alone in her journey.

The summer program at Stanford was more than just an academic experience for Tiyana – it was a turning point. It gave her the confidence and belief in herself that she could achieve anything she set her mind to. And it paid off. Today, Tiyana is a student at the University of Cincinnati, where she’s thriving as the Valedictorian of her class, maintaining straight A’s, and continuing to work toward her dream of becoming a lawyer and, one day, the President of the United States.

Tiyana’s journey is a powerful reminder of how much potential lies within our students, even when they may not see it themselves. As educators, it’s our job to support them, believe in them, and help them believe in their own abilities. Tiyana’s success is not just about the money we raised – it’s about the community that came together to show her that her dreams were possible. It’s about how one opportunity, backed by belief, can change the course of a life.

I’m incredibly proud of Tiyana and everything she’s accomplished so far. She’s proof that with determination, support, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible. And for students like her, I will continue to do everything I can to help them chase their dreams.