JaShawn's Story

“I am a product of Southeast Washington, D.C. It separates the White House and Capitol Hill from the inner-city residential communities. However, it also separates opportunity from despair. Like most of my friends, I have never known my father and have had to rely on my teachers and mentors for male role models.

“I first learned about RISE when Mr. Penniman came to my high school, Ballou, to start a lunchtime MATHletes program. The program was fun and enabled me to learn more about RISE. The following summer, I was able, through RISE, to accelerate my math studies and prepare to study calculus my senior year.

“Eleventh and twelfth grade have been successful but also tragic for me. Last fall, a beautiful evening turned into a near-death experience. I was caught in a drive by shooting and got shot in my leg, not knowing if I would be able to walk again. During those moments I thought to myself how could a person who doesn’t do anything to people get shot just sitting on his porch. I haven’t sat on my porch since that day because anytime I come home I see the bullet holes on the house and it brings back memories of the day.

“Just a little over one month ago, my older brother and best friend Juwan was killed. It’s still incredibly painful to think about. All I can do is help my mother and sister get through each day.

“I have been accepted to college, but I am still waiting to hear from North Carolina A&T, my first choice. I will be finishing #1 or #2 in my class so that should help my chances. College is important to me and will offer an escape from the violence and poverty that plagues my community. College will also allow me to use my circumstances and experience to add to a diverse learning environment at any college or university across the country.”