When Taniyah first walked through the doors at Pace, she carried more than just the weight of her backpack—she carried the weight of self-doubt, instability, and uncertainty about her future. Academically behind and an expecting mother, Taniyah had nearly lost hope of earning her high school diploma.
Life tested her again and again. But nevertheless, Taniyah persisted.
She transformed before our eyes—from a young woman burdened by habitual truancy to one who advocated for herself, showing up, staying engaged, and doing the work. She completed her coursework, passed her assessments, and began to dream again.
During a recent Pace event, she met with a military recruiter and decided to take another bold step—she scheduled and passed her ASVAB exam. Now, Taniyah, the first in her family to graduate high school, is preparing to enroll in the military with a clear vision for her future.
Reflecting on her first Mother’s Day and the milestone of graduation, Taniyah shared:
“This moment right now with me graduating means everything to me. It means that when my baby grows up, I get to tell him that no matter how many obstacles happen in your life that’s trying to hold you back, you can push through and make it happen so you can secure a better life. Me graduating and walking across the stage means that I get to live my life to the fullest potential without anything in between me & my finish line.”
