Who Believes in Me?

1. Who Believes in Me? Ricoh’s story- a dream and the people helping make it happen. By: Michele Hood

2. In 7th grade Ricoh’s father is deported from Gainesville, GA back to Mexico leaving a wife and 4 small children. Ricoh is the oldest and the only son. His mother speaks no English and works in a chicken plant. His father sends a letter -through his attorney - to a teacher, “Please help Ricoh stay in school. I want him to graduate.” That teacher is me and our mentorship began, but Ricoh’s story is more than my mentorship; it is a story of a community of support.

3. Ricoh’s poem written in my 7th grade ELA class Immigrants - Families come from nothing Going to something. Their effort wasted. Families try beginning, But Fail. Hard Work and determination, Wasted. They try to hide, But fail. In misery Nowhere to go And lonely. What now? “Let’s go back Daddy” Ricoh

4. Ricoh knows that he must work - • To provide needed money for his family , Ricoh worked at DQ and also watched his sisters while his mom worked afternoons and nights. There was no time for clubs or sports. But, he has dreams…

5. In school… • Ricoh is gifted in science , with strong motivation and leadership potential as well, but he still has to work hard in school to keep up his grades. Finding time to study while working and running a home is difficult. Math is difficult for him too, and while he excels in reading, he takes longer to read and reread for comprehension due to ELL issues so homework takes him longer. • “My teachers understood that sometimes I needed to turn in papers and projects late because I was just too tired to do it after work. They were always there for me when I needed encouragement or even supplies.” Ricoh

6. high school “High school was a tough time – there were times I was not sure I was going to make it and college seemed like a crazy dream that wasn’t going to happen… but my mentor kept encouraging me and I believed her.” Ricoh

7. Community support for college… • “Even though I am a legal US citizen, FAFSA and college paperwork are not designed for the students whose parents are not legal or not fluent in English. That was a very difficult process. I would not have been accepted into college if my mentor didn’t walk me through it all. Money was also an issue; thankfully, I have been supported by several community foundations! Without their financial support college would not have been possible!”

8. LOCAL INDIVIDUALS and community support… Mrs. Stinchcomb Mrs. Hood Mrs. Kell Mrs. Ingram - NGCF NG Optimist Club

9. Finally…. A dream achieved… College “I was so nervous. None of my family had ever graduated high school or even stepped on a college campus before. I hadn’t even been out of my small town. This was a new adventure!” Albany, GA.

10. Freshman year… “I completed my freshman year and although it was hard, I did well. I got involved with Servant Leadership group at Darton and it has transformed my life! I am surrounded by a group that allows me to give back as I learn to develop my own leadership potential.”

11. My story is a dream fulfilled. • “Because of my experiences, I will be the hand that supports my sisters as they journey through school and to college. I see the world differently now and the opportunities that are there for me and my sisters. I owe a lot to the people and community that has helped me achieve my dream. Because of them, I can pass that dream on.” Ricoh