Tierra, a senior at Chicago Math and Science Academy, knows a little bit — or a lot — about persistence, tackling some real-life challenges while maintaining her academics. But, that resolve will serve her well when she majors in pre-med on her way to becoming a neonatal nurse. As for where she’ll be studying when the 2020/2021 school year begins, she is considering University of Illinois Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Clark Atlanta.

What is something you are most proud of?

My academic success!

Have you gone through any tough or challenging times? If yes, how did you deal with those challenges?

Yes, my family and I were displaced due to a house fire and it was very hard for me. Being able to juggle real life and your academic career can be very challenging, so to alleviate stress I was blessed to have my Big Sister [at Big Brothers Big Sisters] Sarah and other resources to help me and teach me about persistence.

What does it mean to you to be selected as a Girl on the Rise?

It’s an honorable thing — being able to have the opportunity to further my academic interests from a program that I am familiar with means I did my job as a mentee.

What inspired you to want to be involved with Girls on the Rise?

The opportunities that arise from this program made me want to get involved.

How will funding from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals? In other words: Why is the opportunity to visit your prospective colleges important to your journey?

It helps me with my journey because I can essentially figure out what is and what is not a fit for me by visiting schools.

What schools will you use the funding to visit, and why?

I will go visit Clark Atlanta because it is a nice opportunity to get to know the campus and see if it fits me while learning more about the school’s culture.