Name: Fatoumata

School: HPHS

Graduation: June 2024

Post-graduation plan: I want to go to college and study political science. I love reading, writing, global history, American politics, and helping the community.

Activities: I’ve been the president of the Black Student Union at HPHS for the past two years. I’ve always been good at speaking out and advocating for people. I also do a volunteer program at Mount Sinai where I help patients who are elderly or unable to do things for themselves. I have conversations with them all day long, and they give amazing advice!

How CYD helped: I’ve been working with Ms. Valentin on my college list and applications. I spend a lot of time with her – after all, I’ve never applied to college before! She’s helping me figure out financial aid and applying for scholarships. And the CYD Summer College Prep program taught me a lot and gave me great help with my essay.

Inspiration: My parents are from West Africa, and we speak Soninke and Bambara. They never put stress on me and my sisters, but I always feel conscious of everything they did for us. I try to work hard and make them proud, but also make myself fulfilled and proud, too. I’ve been motivated to go on to higher education, and I’ve seen my older sisters accomplish it, so I know I can do it.

Dream: I want to help women of color throughout the world. That’s what I’m really looking forward to. I want to go to law school and become an attorney – super-successful, obviously! Overall I want to be content with my life and feel like I’m succeeding with what I’m doing.

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