Written by Elicia Dennis, 2013 DPS Graduate
I am the person I am today because of my education in Denver Public Schools. I look back and can see so clearly the commitment of my DPS teachers, who sparked my love for learning. I was constantly told by my teachers, ‘there is nothing in your way.’ Were it not for the educators who encouraged and supported me along the way I wouldn’t be where I am today: in my second year at the University of Notre Dame, on track to achieve my dreams.
Ten years from now I see myself as an engineer and an innovator. My aspirations include work with particle accelerators, biomedical technology and computer hardware design. I’m committed to using my education to help others – to design solutions for some of the world’s biggest challenges. I want my work to help others, just as the work and dedication of DPS educators helped me.
My life at Notre Dame is so much more than what I dreamed college would be! The best part of it is the community – my fellow students and the professors who push me to try harder, focus more and to think in new ways. My community here is truly my family. We study together, live together and of course go to games together! I am in a constant state of self-discovery here – learning more and using my knowledge to improve both my academic and my personal life. There were so many times when I’ve had to push myself much further than I thought I could go.
My path to college hasn’t always been an easy one.
I was born into a fractured family. My mother left me at birth. My father lacked the maturity and discipline required to raise a child. I was left in the care of my paternal grandparents and my uncle. They offered all the support they could but their love and care was limited. It was a childhood that required me to grow up much faster than some of my peers. Where my family lacked, teachers continuously stepped up to the plate and worked to ensure my needs as both a student and person were met. Were it not for the educators who encouraged and supported me along the way, I might have been one of the statistics you read about.
One of my favorite quotes hangs in my room: ‘perhaps the butterfly is proof that one can go through a great deal of darkness and still become beautiful.’
I want to thank you for your commitment to students like me. My education in DPS was my gateway to a better life. I have had opportunities I never dreamed of when I was growing up. Your support helps our teachers and schools change lives like mine.