Against All Odds..I DID IT
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Posted By: Jamal Hammond on June 25, 2018 Hello, my name is Jamal C. Hammond, the C is for Cal’El, my parents thought even at birth by giving me Superman’s first name, yes I said Superman lol, that I was going to be indestructible, and I have the battle scars to prove it. I am a 18 years old and a Senior at Bowie High graduating May 30th, 2018“Go Bulldogs “. As a child I was always active, always into something, my first couple of years being in school were the best as far as achieving good grades, but as I got older it got harder, because things were not connecting from my head to my hand, making it seem as if I were uninterested in being taught. This is where it became, trying, hard, hurtful and sometimes unbearable, however, my mother understood that I wasn’t acting out, something had to be wrong. This started the journey of trying to find out what exactly was going on, at the age of 12 the answer was given. I am ADHD, with underlying conditions i.e. Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Graph motor Disorder, Anxiety, Sluggish Cognitive Disorder and just recently Depression. I have been on Ritalin, Adderall, Vyvanse, and now Concerta.. Once I was diagnosed with my learning disability I thought things would become easier for me, no it became harder. The bullying increased, I was being bullied, not only by my peers, but by my teacher’s as well. I became an introvert, and at one point thought about ending it all. My parents were determined that I was going to be treated right and that I would obtain the tools that I needed to be a productive student. The more my parents fought for me the more it seemed to be a WAR of powers. We never really got what I needed until I was approaching 11th grade, by that time I was failing everything, not because I didn’t know it but the way that I learn is different. So in 11th grade, I was taking 11th grade courses by day, 9th & 10th grade courses online, and during the summer. But, the fight has made me stronger, made me determined, made me speak up and out to assist others. I have started to talk about my disability at programs, and now I am helping kids at my school with their disabilities. So for me going to college is not only important, it is imperative for me to be the example to other youth that may have the same story as I, that you can go to college, get a degree, become successful. That having a disability doesn’t hinder you, you are brilliant, you are empowered, you are bright individuals. I want to show that all the hard work that not only my parents did for me was not in vain. I want to be able to show myself that I did it, I have the same opportunity as anyone else to have a college education, and pass down my experience to others. Since I have been accepted into Johnson C. Smith and have the opportunity to be a Proud Smithite, I want to be able to stay and prove all that I can do and Inspire others to do it too. So I ask that you can help me, help others. I appreciate anything that you can give and I will make sure that I will not disappoint anyone. My desire is to major in Music, and Theatre, with a minor in business. I have been a part of Young Marines, ROTC, Band, Visions Performing Arts, and Baltimore Dance Crew. I currently speak out on the awareness of Suicide Prevention, anti Bullying and ADHD.I am a Peer Forward Mentor, and I am featured in a Documentary "I Am Me" which focuses on 4 young people with disabilities and how they are able to manage. * www.filmmakersfortomorrow.org I have faith in myself in obtaining it because I am empowered, I am fearless, and I am above everything else a child of God. So being able to have this opportunity to go to college is exciting to me and something that I thought in the past I wouldn't be able to do, but now I know I can and will do with your help. I would like to make a couple of things apparent because it's been questioned. Yes my parents are contributing to my education....yes I have been applying to scholarships and grants...yes I have put what I have earned into my college education...Also I would like to make you aware that for every scholarship that I have won...I have lowered my goal...I am only asking for what I need no more no less....Oh and yes I am looking into work/study once I arrive at school....I thank you all for reading and more importantly I thank you for contributing and believing in me...... https://www.gofundme.com/YoungscholarJamal If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Jamal Hammond
From Bowie, MD Member Since January 2018 |
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