Destiny

Meet Destiny.  For three years, Destiny participated in the Be a Middle School Mentor (BAMSM) program at her school. BAMSM is a program facilitated through partnership with the United Way of Allegheny County and works to provide adolescents a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult as well as guidance and career exploration opportunities during their vital middle-school years. Through her BAMSM experience, Destiny learned about various educational and career options within her reach. She was afforded the opportunity to hear from community members about the work they do as well as to see that work in action on field trips.

Destiny’s mentor encouraged her to think beyond her circumstances and to dream big. As a result of her time in the BAMSM program, Destiny’s interest in science was ignited. Her mentor encouraged her to embrace these interests and to consider options for high schools that would allow her to focus her potential.  Destiny finished middle school last year and was accepted into a private academy which emphasizes project-based classes and integrates classroom learning with hands-on, real-world activities; she also received a partial scholarship to attend this prestigious facility.

At a recent event, Destiny talked about what an exciting learning environment her school is and how grateful she is to be there. She openly thanked her mentor and CISPAC for encouraging her interest in science and nudging her to strive to reach the goal of acceptance into her new high school.