2021 Lessons Scholarship Winners

C.P. Gilman once said “Instead of standing with reluctant feet where the brook and river meet, I plunged in and swam.” That quote has pushed me to believe in myself and take those leaps of faith. I hope you know the sky is not the limit. However, you’re more than capable of getting where you need and want to be beyond the stars, beyond the sky and beyond the galaxy. After all, you’re already equipped with the tools & gifts you need. It’s up to you to activate them.” - Octavia McLean

“There are so many layers to greatness, including how you choose to define it. While everyone looks at success differently, mentality can take you far in achieving what success might look like for you. Trust yourself and believe in your ability to be great- believe that you ARE great. If you have failed, do not label yourself a failure because this time you’re starting from experience. Remind yourself that no one that feels like they have attained the epitome of success did it on the first try. So be gentle with yourself, make mistakes, learn, and use your strengths to your advantage. There isn’t a handbook on how to achieve or attain greatness, so sometimes you have to write your own.” - Ambar Heredia

“I want to set the record straight. God is my source. In all that I go on to achieve, I want everyone to know that. He’s intentional, merciful, and caring. As a black woman chasing every form of success out there, I must rely on my source. So to conclude, I say that in all you do, trust God above all else. He knows the way. He knows the BEST way.” - Madeline Dwamena