Shani Feyen
Jamia defines herself by herfuture aspirations and academic capabilities as a student, and sees cerebralpalsy as secondary to her abilities. “Myhopes in the future are to establish myself as an experienced lawyer. I want tobegin my own law firm and leave a legacy to others to say that lawyers can behelpful and honest individuals. I want to be seen as a leader once my career isestablished.” Jamia takes this goal seriously, having maintained an excellentGPA through her first two years at Michigan State. Funding is vital for Jamia,who anticipates years of schoolwork; she was thrilled to be honored as a Samaritan Scholar through the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. In additionto using the money for class expenses, Jamia hopes to complete driver’seducation, in order to become more independent. Jamia identifies the importanceof the RCPD as she works toward her goals: “The RCPD has played a major role in my life. I have met peopleand established friends. I have gained a sense of belonging, and confidence toknow that I am not the only person in the world with a disability.” Along withvaluing the RCPD itself, she extends gratitude toward donors whomake scholarships, programs, and services possible for students like her. “Ibelieve that the people who donate money to the RCPD serve as role models tostudents. Their success and kindness gives encouragement to keep forth with ourdreams and aspirations, despite our hindrances. I would want to be in aposition one day to give back to my community, and it just shows how importantthey are by how much they care for driven students like us.”
Do you have a story of how the RCPD has positively impacted you or someone you know? Please share it with us at https://www.rcpd.msu.edu/share-your-story!
Or, to learn more about donating to scholarship funds for students like Jamia, please visit the Make a Gift page of the RCPD website.