Owning the Future

This summer, MCCOY launched the Own Yours campaign, which encourages young people to own their future and value their education. As I reflect on the significance of this message, I find myself wondering what it would look like to be a student who owns their future. One example of a student who truly exemplifies the Own Yours attitude is Chasstidy Hawkins.

Chasstidy is an eighth grader who attended the Coleman Academy Back to School Rally in August and won the Own Yours raffle prize ($100 gift card to use for school supplies), in which 67 students filled out Student Success Pledges. Chasstidy is truly a deserving winner! She plans to continue her academic success in high school, graduate from college with a degree in Criminology and become a Crime Scene Investigator. Chasstidy’s optimism and self-belief are evidenced in her words: “With my head held high and my mind focused on what I need to do to achieve my goals…I can make it and succeed with my future plans. I believe that you can do whatever you put your mind to.” Chasstidy, who has all A’s and 1 B+ so far this year, is well on her way to accomplishing her goals inside and outside of the classroom. I’m glad that the Own Yours campaign has reached so many inspiring young people! I wish Chasstidy the best of luck with her academic pursuits!