Jy’Mir: Creating a Pathway to a Bright Future

Communities In Schools® (CIS®) is not just an organization; it's a lifeline for students like Jy'Mir, who, since 2015, has found guidance, support, and a pathway to his dreams. Starting his journey in second grade at Virginia Cross Elementary, Jy'Mir is just one of the many students whose lives have been transformed by CIS, propelling them toward graduation and fulfilling career goals while opening doors to new opportunities along the way. 

Jy’Mir, crossed paths with Communities In Schools of Chatham County (CISCC) Executive Director Tych Cowdin, who previously served as a student support specialist. Always eager to be part of everything, Jy’Mir quickly formed a special bond with Tych, marking the beginning of an enduring relationship through the mentoring program. 

Over the past nine years, it has been immensely rewarding to witness Jy’Mir shaping his dreams and setting goals for himself.

-Tych Cowdin, CIS of Chatham County Executive Director

From field trips and summer camps to sports and afterschool programs, Jy'Mir has shown a willingness to explore different interests and develop valuable skills. By actively engaging in these activities, Jy'Mir has not only enriched his high school experience but also paved the way for future career opportunities.  

Jy’Mir continues to thrive academically and socially, overcoming any obstacles in his path. Most recently, he took the initiative to establish a Computer Science Club at his school. He was inspired after participating in a summer internship where he gained technical experience, learned about various careers, and met one of his mentors, Burney Waring, president of Innovate Chatham.   

On track to graduate with honors in May and pursue a degree in computer science, Jy’Mir has received several acceptance letters from colleges including East Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He plans to focus his studies on cybersecurity – an in-demand field with a projected job growth of 32 percent over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

Jy'Mir advocates for lifelong learning, inspiring peers to pursue their aspirations and never stop growing. “Learn from everything,” he said. “Live by your own standards and create the life you want.” 

Learn more about CIS of Chatham County. 

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