Overcoming Tragedy and Hardships: First Literacy Scholars Achieve College Degree

Written by Julie Slack, First Literacy Marketing and Communications Director

Graduation is a pivotal moment for many adult learners who have overcome great obstacles to pursue their education. As caps are tossed into the air, dreams take flight, and a new chapter begins, filled with possibility and opportunity.

This May First Literacy celebrates, Kherrina, Bismillah, and Qiaomin, three scholars whose hard work, determination, and perseverance paid off as they reached a significant milestone and received their college diploma.

Determined To Provide A Better Life For Herself and Her Daughter

Kherrina was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica a city known for its vibrant night life and severe economic hardship. During Kherrina’s second year of college in Jamaica, the father of her daughter was murdered, forcing Kherrina to put her college education on hold. Then shortly after the father of her child was gunned down Kherrina lost her job.

Determined to provide a better life for herself and her child she made the decision to move with her daughter to the United States. Kherrina faced many challenges when she arrived in the U.S. but her desire to pursue her dream of a college education and set a precedent for her daughter gave her strength.

In 2020, Kherrina was nominated for a First Literacy scholarship. The scholarship provided her with the funds necessary to pursue her education and obtain a degree in communications.

“First Literacy’s financial assistance was paramount. Education is expensive, therefore the impact of the scholarship from First Literacy cannot be overstated. It was a reassuring feeling to know that an organization was there to assist adult learners like myself who were striving for higher education despite challenges and circumstances.”

Kherrina before her graduation ceremony at Southern New Hampshire University.

With the support of First Literacy, Kherrina was able to attend college and show her daughter that it is possible to accomplish your dreams despite obstacles that may seem insurmountable.

Over the span of 4 years Kherrina completed her courses and achieved her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. On May 5, Kherrina will graduate Summa Cum Laude from Southern New Hampshire University – proof that her hard work, perseverance, and dedication paid off.

“Furthering my education has always been one of my primary goals. There were challenges such as exhaustion, fatigue, self-doubt, and financial issues that threatened to wear me down, but I fought through it all because after the battle, comes the reward.”

Graduating with her bachelor’s degree was a big milestone for Kherrina, but she already has her sights set on her next goal – a career in mass media.

Fleeing A War-Torn Country and Overcoming the Odds

Bismillah at his graduation ceremony at Roxbury Community College.

Bismillah, grew up in Afghanistan where ongoing conflict made it extremely challenging to excel in school. Bismillah faced numerous challenges and hardships that could have easily derailed his dream of pursuing higher education, but determination and perseverance have enabled him to overcome obstacles and strive towards future goals.

In 2023 Bismillah was awarded a First Literacy scholarship. The scholarship provided him with the funds necessary to pursue his education in the United States.

“The First Literacy scholarship made a big difference in my journey. “It helped me cover some expenses, allowing me to focus on my studies without the stress of financial burden.”

With the support of First Literacy, Bismillah was able to continue his education and reach an important milestone in his life. On May 17, Bismillah will graduate from Roxbury Community College with his Associate of Science degree in Information Systems Technology – a testament to his hard work, perseverance through tough times and determination to further his education.

“I’m thrilled to be reaching this milestone. It’s been an amazing journey filled with growth and learning.”

This fall Bismillah plans to transfer to a four-year college and work towards his bachelor’s degree. His goal is to one day obtain a job that allows him to use his skills in Information Systems Technology to make a positive impact in his community.

Overcoming Language Barriers To Achieve a College Degree

Qiaomin at her graduation ceremony at Bunker Hill Community College.

Qiaomin moved the United States from China with her family in 2019. When she arrived, the transition was challenging for everyone in her family. Qiaomin, now a Malden resident, was the only family member who was able to speak any English so she took on many of the family responsibilities including caring for her sick grandfather and struggling to act as translator during his medical appointments.

Determined to support her parents who were stuck in low-paying jobs due to their limited English skills, Qiaomin continued to study English at the Asian American Civic Association so she could take on all the family affairs that involved speaking English.

In 2021 Qiaomin was nominated for a First Literacy Scholarship. The scholarship provided her with the funds necessary to pursue her goal of becoming a radiologic technologist.

“I was not satisfied with where I was when I first came to the United States. I wanted to dive into a career that I loved, and I could spend my whole life doing. The scholarship made it possible to pursue a career. I bought a laptop that I needed for my studying, and I was able to buy the pricy textbooks for every semester.”

Despite some challenging times, Qiaomin stayed the course and diligently worked towards her degree in Medical Radiography. On May 23, Qiaomin received her diploma from Bunker Hill Community College – proof that her determination, positive attitude, and hard work paid off.

“Times were tough when I arrived in the U.S. with my family. I knew that the most important thing was to complete my education and reach my goal – after all the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Qiaomin plans to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Exam in June and will begin working at Brigham and Woman’s Hospital in August.

Scholarships Help Dreams Come True

Each year, First Literacy awards $1,500 scholarships to recent graduates of Massachusetts Adult Basic Education (ABE) or English language programs who are continuing to vocational training or higher education.

Since First Literacy’s Scholarship Program began in 1990, over 600 scholarships have been awarded to adult learners throughout Massachusetts. Each First Literacy scholar has an inspiring story; many have overcome great tragedy and multiple obstacles, but they are determined to further their education. We are proud to support these scholars in their educational journey.

Congratulations to Kherrina, Bismillah, and Qiaomin. We are proud to support you in your journey and wish you the best of luck in your next chapter!

Kherrina and Bismillah were also recently featured in The Boston Globe … read the full article written by Globe Correspondent Adam Sennott.