It Only Takes One Person!

Yesterday we had another professional discussion group with prospective candidates for the Textbook Stipend Project. As usual, it always ends up being as edifying for the panelists as it is for the students. Project Brownstone's philosophy is, it only takes one person to alter the trajectory of a student's life by just reaching out and engaging.

One of our students gave us a background story of how he arrived at the place in his life where he could choose between going to Harvard or Columbia University. It wasn't an easy ride. It all started in El Salvador.

Domestic abuse found him living with his single mother in Los Angeles. He was failing out of school getting involved with the wrong crowd. His single parent family moved to Harlem where he began a journey of failure in the New York public school system. His trajectory looked glum; it didn't seem as if there was a future worth being hopeful for.

One day his math teacher approached him and told him he needed to get himself together. If he failed out of school, his options would be diminished. He knew he needed help but had no idea where to turn. The teacher suggested he go see a particular librarian at the Countee Cullen branch of the New York Public Library in Harlem.

At first, he pushed back because he thought the books were being pushed on him. He jokingly said he had no real choice but to read the books. Said librarian was not playing with him. Before long, he started to enjoy reading. Science seemed to be his top choice of subjects he was interested in. He was given an extensive ongoing list of books to read.

Before long, he started to excel in his classes. He actually began to enjoy school. Now in his senior year, the hard work paid off. He was accepted to Harvard and Columbia University with a full scholarship!

After a visit to Harvard he decided to turn them down. He didn't like the atmosphere that hints at a degree of discomfort for students of color. He wanted to still be part of New York City yet get the same level and quality of education. He chose Columbia University!

Coming soon, you'll get to know this individual up close. He's enrolled in the Textbook Stipend Project. We plan to do a video segment on him where we will make the proper introduction.

Keep on the lookout for this powerful story!