Do It Afraid: How a Florida A&M University Student Turned Setbacks Into a National Mission to Keep Students in School
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on June 11, 2025 Sometimes life delays the dream—but never denies the purpose. That truth has been the driving force behind Shayna Vincent’s journey—and the heart of the Esther Funds Foundation, a national nonprofit born right here at Florida A&M University with a bold mission: to keep students in school. From Setback to Purpose Vincent’s story is far from traditional. Raised in a family of educators, she always dreamed of becoming a teacher. But early on, she struggled with ADHD and learning disabilities, particularly in math. By high school, her GPA hovered at 1.8, and a guidance counselor suggested she drop out and learn a trade. “I struggled with ADHD and learning disabilities all throughout school,” Vincent recalled. “It affected everything — how I learned, how I interacted with people, and how I processed information in the classroom.” Despite the odds, she pushed through and graduated. “I didn’t know what FAFSA was. I didn’t know about scholarships. I just knew I wanted to try college—even if I didn’t think I would finish,” she said. She first enrolled at Alabama A&M University but withdrew her first semester due to what she described as a lack of support. She then worked full-time, attempted to return to school, but financial stress forced her to pause again. Eventually, while living in Tampa, she earned an associate degree in education—and held tightly to her dream of attending an HBCU. “I was terrified to go to FAMU,” she admits. “I didn’t think I’d fit in. I didn’t think I was smart enough. But I knew the culture, the community, the legacy—I knew I needed that experience.” During a spiritual fast in summer 2023, Vincent read about the biblical Queen Esther—a woman called to lead in times of crisis. Inspired, she envisioned a foundation to support students facing challenges like her own. A Movement Is Born That same summer, a conversation with a friend about students dropping out due to unpaid tuition balances sparked action. “I just knew we had to do something,” Vincent said. “God gave me the vision, but it felt too big. I thought, ‘Who am I? I dropped out twice. I’m not a leader.’ But He told me to trust Him.” The Esther Funds Foundation (EFF), officially incorporated on January 23, 2024, grew out of Vincent’s vision to support students facing challenges. One of its early initiatives was a holiday drive providing books and toys to students at FAMU’s Developmental Research School. In under a year, the foundation grew from five executive members and 20 volunteers to over 200 students at FAMU alone—and expanded to more than 20 collegiate chapters nationwide, including Xavier University of Louisiana, UNC-Charlotte, Grambling State, Prairie View A&M, and Florida State University. The Esther Funds Foundation’s meaningful work has already gained community recognition. In 2024, EFF earned third place in the Give TLH community fundraising challenge, underscoring local support and the foundation’s growing influence in helping students overcome financial barriers to education. Rooted in the Rattler Experience EFF was created to meet the realities many FAMU students face—balancing work, school, and family, while contending with housing insecurity, tuition gaps, and mental health challenges. As student journalist Jayla Royal wrote in The Famuan, the foundation offers “more than just funding—it’s emotional, mental, and spiritual relief.” The foundation’s services include: • Emergency funding for tuition, rent, groceries, and transportation • Assistance with textbooks, laptops, and device repairs • Mental health resources and mentorship programs • Quarterly scholarships like the Mustard Seed Scholarship, which helps students clear balances under $500 so they can register for classes • Book fund scholarships for incoming freshmen Denali Duncan, a senior psychology major and transfer student, shares how Esther Funds shaped her journey: “Being connected to the Esther Funds Foundation has been an important part of my educational journey. As a transfer student, adapting to a new environment can be challenging, but the foundation’s support and encouragement helped me stay focused and motivated,” she said. Zuri Eccleston, a senior political science major and EFF’s Miss January 23rd, said: “Being part of EFF pushed me to grow academically and personally. After losing my grandmother, attending my first event gave me peace through prayer and community.” Vincent’s biggest priority for 2026 is launching an Emergency Grant Fund designed to provide rapid, flexible financial assistance for critical and immediate needs—such as housing repairs, tuition gaps, or medical bills—offering support beyond traditional scholarships that typically require longer application processes. “Our goal is to eventually offer this support on every campus we serve,” she said. Do It Afraid To the younger version of herself—the girl who doubted her ability to finish college—Vincent offers a powerful message: “Do it afraid. Do it unmotivated. Do it when you don’t feel qualified. Just do it. Keep God at the center and don’t let ‘no’ stop you.” The Esther Funds Foundation’s ultimate goal is to help seven million students from challenged communities not only stay in school but thrive. Through partnerships with universities, churches, and community organizations, EFF is building a nationwide safety net—starting with students like Vincent, who once felt overlooked. After years of uncertainty and persistence, Vincent officially enrolled at Florida A&M University in fall 2023 to pursue a degree in elementary education. She is now on track to graduate in fall 2025, stepping fully into the purpose she once feared she wasn’t qualified for. Get Involved Students can join the FAMU chapter, access resources, or volunteer. Supporters and sponsors can donate or partner on upcoming initiatives. Visit estherfundsfoundation.org or follow @estherfundsfoundationon social media to learn more. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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