Hi my name is Tamia Akers I am a Political Science Major Philosophy Minor on the Pre-Law Track from Canal Fulton, Ohio and I am currently attending Howard University located in Washington, D.C.

What does this scholarship mean to you and your education? This scholarship makes my education possible, as a first generation high school and college student my education is deeply important to me. In a world where Black Women are often told we are too loud, too smart mouthed, too sassy I refuse silence, I refuse conformity. Although financially paying for school has been challenging I know undeniably I am supposed to be at Howard University. So when I received this scholarship it felt like a weight was lifted off my chest. Like my dream was possible. I am beyond happy to have new relationships with people who see me for me and believe in my dream even more than I do.

Tell us about your family and your adoption. How old were you when you were adopted?  I would like to start by stating my parents are the most loving, kind, warm and welcoming people I have ever met. I was 10 years old when I went into Foster Care and to tell the truth I had an immensely difficult time. Often acting out because I was experiencing feelings I wasn’t equipped to deal with at such a young age. My parents were never angry, they held me, loved me and accepted me as I am. I believe stability is so important for growing children and for once in my life I could feel my happy ending coming. For me Foster Care was traumatic and growing up was rough. However, I am grateful for the lessons it taught me, the way it shaped me and the strength it instilled in me. They way it gave me a perspective others simply couldn’t have.

How has being adopted given you a different perspective on life than your peers?  First, I would like to dive into my story a little more. Growing up initially I lived with my Biological Mother. I grew up in intense poverty, moving school to school and house to house for my entire childhood, always waiting for the next time we would have to flee. So in many ways I was familiar with what foster care would be like. Growing up in the not nice schools and then being put into high quality schools where the kids around me didn’t even understand the value of education they were getting changed me. For once I was able to see the other side. When I was in the 5th grade my first year in foster care and in a new school, I was called on to read by the teacher. When I opened my mouth to try nothing came out. I was in the 5th grade, 10 years old and I did not know how to read. Not just because I was taking care of siblings all the time, not just because of the abuse but also because of the lack of educational opportunity, economic disparity and the lack of stability. Being adopted has made me appreciate everywhere I am way more than those around me. It has made me believe that I truly can handle anything, it made me understand that although we can’t control anything as in events, moments or outcomes we can control what we do after, our reaction. How we choose to shine despite it all after.

What’s one thing about you most people don’t know?  Most people don’t know that I also like to spend time alone. As an extrovert who is always talking and engaging in conversations, people forget I enjoy my alone time as well, or that I like to be silent as well!! I am a little shy sometimes, I guess you could say!

What are some things you want to accomplish during school?  This school year I hope to accomplish many things. I would like to obtain a 4.0 GPA, perfect attendance for class, being involved in more clubs and possibly secure another internship. Overall, I would love to keep discovering myself and where my path leads me.

Where do you want to be in 10 years?  In 10 years I hope to be an Attorney. First start by obtaining my BA in Political Science from Howard University, then my Law Degree/J.D. from an Ivy League Institution, hopefully Georgetown! I hope to run for office of some kind where my platform is centered around truly helping people, no matter who they are or where they come from. Overall, to just do something I really love, whether it be practicing law, running to be a Congresswoman, or just taking a break to look back at all I’ve done. I often remind myself of this, all the wins, the trophies and the accomplishments mean nothing if you can’t take your people with you. I want to be able to say I made it, that I did everything I ever dreamed of. Most importantly say that I didn’t wait to be happy once I reached my destination but I enjoyed every moment as I went. After all, who could write my story better than me?