By Kayla Cockrel Staff Writer
As seniors approach the exit of adolescence, many families plan elaborate celebrations and parties to send their young adult onto the next phase of life. Seniors rush to complete financial aid applications, select the perfect prom ensemble and mail out graduation announcements.
Senior year, undoubtedly is so different for every student. CT Senior Tatyena White has endured the journey to graduate; basically all on her own. She has no memories of her parents standing by her side and pushing her through the roughest patches of school; nor any nostalgia of a cozy bedroom where she could have taken refuge after a hard day.
White instead recalls moving from homeless shelter to shelter, and trying to keep herself together while rest of her life fell apart. At 14, White began taking care of her younger sibling after her mom had a mental breakdown when her father left them.
“I started taking care of myself at age 14.” said White. “My mom was unstable and unable to take care of me years before I was 14, but I was too young to realize it.”
After moving with her aunt, White begin to feel tension mounted in the household and the environment grew less safe; White felt unwelcome in her aunt’s home and she moved in with a close friend, while the rest of her family stayed behind. Seeking refuge amongst her CT family, whenever she could, became a daily routine.
“I began sneaking in and out of my friend’s houses because I figured it was better than living with my aunt.” said White. “Worrying about where I would sleep at night, how I was going to wash my clothes for the week, budgeting bus fare and money to eat; became my main concerns through high school.”
The added pressure of sneaking about everyday finally began to crack her academic stamina and her troubles started to seep into her school life. She finally told her counselor, Sophia Sims and CT attendance agent Stacy Wilson exactly what she was dealing with.
“Reaching out for help was the best thing I could have did for myself and my siblings.” said White. “Principal Phillips helped me to get a job and I have been with my friend Janyla Norwood and her mother Michelle Thompson for the last month, I am so grateful for them.
The added help from White’s CT family helped her through a turbulent time in her life, When White finally confided in the Cass tech Staff she was met with support. The staff latched onto her to remind her that in her darkest hour, she could still be surrounded by love.
“I’ve been homeless for most of my life, staying with family members, in shelters and friends when able. I’ve lived without water, heat or lights” said White. “I now know I do not have to fight my fight alone.”
Today White can experience the nervous excitement of her future, instead of facing a life beyond school with fear and uncertainty. As a result of the help she received and the love she was met with, graduation will not be a symbol of steps she wouldn’t be able to take as her peers moved forward and she stayed behind. Looking forward she can see the world of possibility that she ignored as she faced mental illness, homelessness, and hunger day by day.
“I cannot wait to move into my very own college dorm and have true stability” said White. “Then I’ll know I overcame all of it, I did not quit and I will not quit.”
Tateyana White contributed to this report.
