For Keshia, the drive to help others has always been at the heart of her journey. Long before she stepped into a college classroom, she found herself drawn to nonprofit work, mentoring, and community service. One experience, in particular, shaped her path: after Hurricane Katrina, Keshia joined a service trip to New Orleans. “That’s where my passion really started,” she says. “I knew I wanted to help people, but I wanted to do it on a larger scale.” With the goal of building a career centered on making a difference, Keshia began her path studying Education and Human Services.
Keshia’s biggest challenge was not motivation, rather, access to resources. “It was that eagerness to finish my education, but not having the financial resources to do so,” she explains. While working on her bachelor’s degree at Simmons University, she reached a breaking point when her financial aid ran out. She didn’t qualify for additional scholarships at the time, so she made the difficult decision to take a leave of absence.
Luckily, Keshia stayed in close contact with her academic advisor. They regularly sent her scholarship opportunities, one of which was the Alray Scholars Program. She applied, and it became a turning point in her journey.
Alray didn’t just bridge the financial gap, it also provided another layer of personal, one-on-one support. “Karen was my mentor, and I don’t know what I would have done without her,” Keshia says. While her advisor at Simmons was helpful, their role was to support all students, not just one. With Karen, it was different. “I had someone I could reach out to at any given time. That extra level of support made all the difference.” One of the most impactful parts of their relationship was meeting in person. “You can talk on the phone or text, but having that personal connection, being able to feel her energy and see her expressions, really added to the experience.”
Today, Keshia has completed her degree and is preparing to launch a career in human services, ready to mentor and uplift others just as she was supported. Her story is a reminder that the combination of passion and guidance can turn obstacles into opportunities. “No matter how hard it gets, just stick with it,” she says. “I know it’s easier said than done, but don’t give up.
When Keshia reflects on her experience, the word that comes to mind is gratitude. “I’ve always been grateful, but being part of this family made me that much more grateful,” she says. “You walk into a room full of strangers, but the unwavering support you receive—it’s indescribable.”
Keshia’s story was captured and written by Julianne Stein.
“I had someone I could reach out to at any given time. That extra level of support made all the difference.”