Neorah: Aspiring to Help Others Achieve Their Dreams

Neorah is a 2025 graduate with a bright future ahead of her and plans to go to Spelman College to study economics in order to become a financial advisor. Below, she reflects on the important role that Site Coordinator Carlea Atkinson from Communities In Schools® (CIS®) of Charlotte-Mecklenburg served as a mentor who helped guide her through the college selection and application process and inspired her to engage in community service and leadership opportunities. Here’s Neorah’s story in her own words:

My journey with Communities In Schools has been nothing short of transformative, exceeding all initial expectations. At the heart of this experience is my site coordinator, Carlea Atkinson. Her office became a safe haven, a place where I could seek advice and guidance. Ms. Atkinson's commitment to my growth was evident in the numerous college and university visits she facilitated, exposing me to a world beyond my immediate surroundings.

Ms. Atkinson recommended me for the DifferenceMakers CLT program, a life-changing experience. The August 2023 trip to Washington, D.C., provided invaluable insights into the journeys of Charlotte community leaders, emphasizing the importance of social capital. 

Neorah is not only incredibly helpful and always willing to lend a hand to those around her, but her intelligence and work ethic also set her apart. She balances her academic success with a genuine kindness that makes everyone feel valued.

-Carlea Atkinson, Site Coordinator, CIS of Charlotte-Mecklenburg

The program's networking workshops and community service opportunities, such as volunteering with Roof Above and interacting with residents at [a local apartment community], instilled a desire to help my community.

One accomplishment I'm most proud of during my high school career is initiating and leading the Reedy Creek Elementary Spirit Squad. My experience as a varsity cheerleader has shown me the importance of having early exposure to cheerleading. 

Recognizing a developmental gap among many of my teammates, I undertook the revitalization of the cheerleading program at the elementary school I attended. Volunteering as head coach, I implemented a rigorous structure, mirroring the standards I expect of my high school squad as one of their captains, fostering a culture of excellence and discipline. 

Communities In Schools played a pivotal role in making this achievement possible. CIS, particularly through the DifferenceMakers CLT program, fostered the confidence and social skills necessary to take on such a leadership role. CIS provided a safe space to practice and refine my communication and interpersonal skills, essential for coaching young children. The exposure to different perspectives and the emphasis on community engagement instilled in me a sense of responsibility and the courage to take risks. 

Furthermore, during my junior year spring break, I went on a CIS trip to Atlanta, partly organized by Ms. Atkinson. Touring various universities, I discovered Spelman College, a place that resonated deeply with my aspirations. Spelman's mission of empowering women to effect positive change aligns perfectly with my vision for myself. I believe that individual success fuels societal progress, a belief I learned is shared at Spelman. 

My personal mission is to be the bridge, the connection, to help others achieve their dreams. I want to use my gifts in order to be of service to others.

-Neorah, 2025 Graduate

I intend to engage in service opportunities, contributing to a legacy of women who are actively shaping the world. This profound connection to Spelman, and my future aspirations, are a direct result of CIS and Ms. Atkinson's unwavering support. For this, I am immensely grateful.

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