Mariyah: Engineering a Bright Future

Achieving a graduation milestone is no small feat; it requires that students stay focused while balancing multiple commitments. Communities In Schools® (CIS®) pairs students with a caring adult to ensure they never lose sight of their goals. High school senior Mariyah, age 17, is tapping into her vision to engineer a bright future after graduation. 

Mariyah connected with CIS of Charlotte-Mecklenburg at the beginning of the 2022-2023 academic school year as a sophomore at Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology. Her site coordinator, Ms. Miller, checked in with Mariyah daily to ensure she had the guidance needed to reach her academic goals, including support with college prep. Ms. Miller describes Mariyah as hard-working, focused, and an absolute joy to work with. 

"Mariyah consistently brings a smile and positive attitude to everything she does and fully commits herself to every endeavor she sets her mind to."

- Ms. Miller, CIS of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Site Coordinator

Mariyah has big dreams and does not shy away from the work that is required, like studying hard for her college entrance exams and getting the grades needed to graduate early. Mariyah thrives in her school subjects, specifically the STEM-based curriculum. This year, she completed her 3D modeling class with an A last semester and is currently enrolled in a Central Piedmont Community College course taking pre-calculus. 

She is not afraid to be herself and shows up authentically in the classroom and in her community. Ms. Miller worked with Mariyah on building her confidence. Ms. Miller and Mariyah had conversations around peer pressure, the sometimes-overwhelming day-to-day expectations of school, which helped Mariyah stay focused on her goals and the finish line of graduation. 

The single thing I'm most proud to have accomplished is not caring what others think or who does not like me. I tend to visit Mrs. Miller during lunch and talk to her about personal life situations. She always provides advice using her personal experience to connect relevance.

-Mariyah 

As a result of her hard work and diligence, Mariyah has put in the work, securing the necessary credits to graduate from high school early and will leave school with a full resume. Her list of accomplishments includes participation in the Difference Makers CLT program, and she is an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers and the North Carolina Technology Student Association at her school. Next year, Mariyah will be attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a focus in mechanical engineering. 

College is just one of many post-secondary goals Mariyah has for herself. In the future, she hopes to graduate college, continue her financial literacy and professional success, and own her own home. 

"During Mariyah's time on my caseload, I've had the joy of watching her confidence grow as she remains committed to accomplishing the goals that she’s set for herself.  I believe that Mariyah she will grow, and learn, and become an amazing young lady who makes an impact everywhere she goes," said Ms. Miller.
 

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