Trameka Pope, 18, is determined to defy all the odds stacked against her. As a small child, homelessness hit her household. She became pregnant in the eighth grade and gave birth as a freshman in high school. Although the journey ahead looked challenging, Pope chose to finish strong. Her objective became an accomplishment as she graduated high school as the renowned valedictorian.
Pope confessed to the news outlets. “I always said that I wanted to make change and I wanted to be in the history books, and I started with myself.”
She added, “I didn’t give up. I pushed myself hard. And my baby motivated me every day because I wanted to provide for her and I also didn’t want to be a statistic.”
Pope wasn’t satisfied with stopping there. She plans to pursue a Doctorate of Philosophy degree at a university close to home in the fall semester. The valedictorian was even accepted to more than 25 colleges, and has received more than $600,000 in scholarships.
Being a student, mother and friend did not hinder Pope from flourishing. On top of her academic success, she was a cheerleader, a member of National Honor Society, and an active member of activities in her community. Pope secured a job at a local grocery store to support her child.
Pope attributes her success to Dawn Jackson, her social worker, as well as her school’s counselor.
“No matter what background you come from, it doesn’t matter if you had a child as a teen, no matter what people say about you, you still can, you can make it, and you can become something,” Jackson remarks in a profound statement.
