Walter Harris

The most vivid memory I have of EOP is my first year after completing the Summer Bridge program. As I journeyed through my freshmen year at CSUN I was having a hard time managing my school work and while also being the caregiver for my foster mother who was very ill at the time. During this difficult time, the EOP staff was very supportive and they encouraged me to keep pushing through. A couple of days after my mother passed, I was at risk of being kicked out of school. The day I went to Jose Luis and Shiva I remember being in tears while explaining what was going on and how I needed this opportunity. I remember Jose Luis exact words, “we will give you another chance because you have been doing the work, but after this that’s it.” As I left the office I was grateful for the opportunity to have a second chance. To me, that’s what EOP is all about; giving young adults a second chance when most wouldn’t. Being a part of the Resilient Scholars Program was also another great memory for me and I was able to make connections with other young people who had experienced similar situations, being in the Resilient Scholars program truly felt like family.

EOP reminds me of the song “Lean on me” because they truly have helped me carry on. One career accomplishment that I am proud of, is obtaining my Masters of Social Work from Clark Atlanta University in the spring of 2017. EOP played a major role in me attaining this current level of success because without the second chance that was given to me by Jose Luis and Shiva I would not have been able to finish at CSUN or attend my dream School of Clark Atlanta University. As a former foster youth who beat all odds, I am now able to give back to young people in in the Metro Atlanta area at a nonprofit called Year Up where I serve as a social worker. Along with Year Up’s mission I believe in providing young adults with the skills, experience, and support that will help them reach their full potential through professional careers and higher education. I strive daily to encourage young people and to let them know that anything is possible if you just believe and never give up. My words of wisdom for current EOP students is to really take advantage of all of the resources offered and always ask for help when needed. EOP was not only a program that helped me get into college but it was a program that extended grace and unconditional support to help shape me into the young man I am today.