Latoya Thompson
From an early age, Latoya Thompson, a junior at the Harry S. Truman High School in the Bronx, has strived to rise above the circumstances that surround her. After being adopted by her foster mother, who she came to know as her grandmother, Latoya lived with her for several years and served as her primary caregiver until her death.
While she still misses her grandmother, the life lessons that she taught Latoya are still with her today and are reinforced by the guidance and support she receives at the Columbus Clubhouse.
"Grandma made sure that I didn't run the streets. She always had me under her," Latoya said. Her grandmother consistently stressed education, being responsible and being respectful to adults, all lessons that are echoed within the Club's many leadership, education, guidance, and empowerment programs she participates in.
Since her arrival three years ago, the Clubhouse staff has noticed a marked change in the child who at first only visited sporadically– she has become a young lady of tremendous maturity and is strongly committed to the Club. Throughout her time at the Club, she has become a role model to her peers and, most importantly to Latoya, to her 13-year-old nephew who is also a member of the Club.
Once she was committed the Club, Latoya became an active member in several programs, including the Youth Empowerment Program, the Girls Leadership Group, the Step Team, the Dance Team, the Summer Youth Employment Program, and eventually became a Club junior staff member.
The Youth Empowerment program was especially beneficial to Latoya. Through the program, she admits to learning about many topics she didn't understand, including drug-awareness and safe sex. Now, she is armed with knowledge, confidence, and resources to pass her learning onto her peers.
Latoya knows that higher education will open many doors for her future and plans to attend college in pursuit of a nursing career, feeding her passion for helping others. She is excited about attending college and honoring the dream of her much-beloved grandmother.
"My grandmother would say 'Tiny, education is a must in this house. I want you to go to college and be something in life,'" Latoya said. "She is my inspiration to accomplish all of my dreams."