Students, along with their families, frequently see government leaders on television or in newspapers.
However, they do not always have an opportunity to receive encouragement directly from a leader who can appreciate and relate to their experiences.
Recently, students from grades nine to 12 at Providence Cristo Rey High School welcomed Jamal Smith, executive director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission and a senior advisor to Gov. Mitch Daniels.
In a visit that seemed more like words of wisdom being shared by a big brother than a lecture, Smith encouraged the students to not let challenges in life keep them from success, and to build on the opportunities they do have.
“Take advantage of the resources that you have, and leverage them for your success,” Smith said. “Study as much as you can, because if you don’t do well, you can’t blame anyone but yourself. It’s your name on that report card, and your teacher will be paid regardless of whether you get that A or not. So it’s in your best interest to go for it.”
Located minutes from downtown Indianapolis, Providence Cristo Rey is a private, college preparatory high school for students from families with limited financial means. Part of a national network of Cristo Rey schools, Providence, which has a 100 percent graduation rate, combines rigorous classroom instruction with real-life corporate work study experiences for students by partnering with businesses in the Indianapolis area.
Smith discussed growing up in the projects of Dayton, Ohio, where his mother had to frequently work at least two jobs to make ends meet. As a student, he found enjoyment in athletics, and was able to use his talents in that area to become the first in his family to go to college.
Smith, however, did not have the guidance that many students seeking a college education have today, such as counselors who would inform him about his college options, how to apply, financial aid, what kind of classes to select and how to adopt good study practices.
“Having to do all that myself was a maturation process,” said Smith, who had to turn himself around after being placed on academic probation. He later graduated from Wright State University and Purdue University.
Smith encouraged the students to appreciate their time at Providence Cristo Rey.
“Count your blessings, because it’s an outstanding privilege to have counselors and teachers who will talk to you about college, and a structure in place that provides opportunity,” he said. “It’s an opportunity that many young people at schools your age in this city don’t have. The resources are here; what you do with them is up to you. Don’t cheat yourself.”
Students reacted very favorably to Smith’s remarks.
“It was a great message that really inspired me to do the impossible and just step out of the place I’m at and try to inspire others to do what other people haven’t done,” said Jarmon Wharton, who would like to major in fire science at Harrison College.
As’Samada Addul’Haqq, a junior who plans to major in criminal justice and sociology and participate in college athletics, was also inspired by the visit.
“It showed the importance of taking advantage of the opportunities we have and using them to our fullest potential,” she said.
Joseph P. Heidt, president of Providence Cristo Rey, said visits by Smith and other recent guests such as incoming Gov. Mike Pence introduce students to successful people who have overcome challenges.
“What I think about is the conversation that happens after Jamal departs,” he said. “You will hear about what he shared with the students throughout the week, and we will see grades tick up a little because of the motivation sparked by this.”
Smith noted his overall goal was to demonstrate how one can overcome obstacles.
“I think we give scapegoats for our young people far too much, in my opinion, and not hold them accountable in expectations,” he said. “Yes, hurdles and pitfalls come, but at the end of the day you’re still responsible for your success. Sometimes it can be difficult for a young person to see the forest for the trees. That’s where it becomes important for folks who have sifted their way through it to turnaround and say hey, here is a road map or an avenue you can consider as you navigate through life.”
