See them shine: PBMR celebrates recent graduates
“Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God” (Isaiah 41:10).
This scripture passage was shared by a PBMR participant, Tyra, while reflecting on her recent graduation from PBMR’s Education Lab. She shared, “I feel good about completing this big milestone. I wanted to give up a couple of times, but I got encouraged to finish, and I did!”
This past spring, the PBMR community celebrated a number of graduations from CPS middle schools, high schools, and the PBMR Education Lab. Each graduation came with a multitude of emotions as participants celebrated these milestone accomplishments surrounded by family, friends, mentors, and countless community members. We are so proud of how our participants have continued to move forward despite the many challenges that life throws their way.
One Education Lab graduate shared that he never thought he’d find his way back to his high school diploma. “I’d been to a couple schools, well, I was kicked out of a couple schools ... I never really got along with my teachers ... but Clare, she was cool. I connected with her. We laughed, we joked, and I just felt, like, at peace. You know? I didn’t really have to look over my shoulders here, or anything. It was good.” He was referring to Clare Brown, PBMR’s Education Lab Coordinator, whose team worked with each learner every step of the way and coordinated a graduation ceremony for seven students this past June — PBMR’s largest Ed Lab graduation to date.
Another PBMR participant, Malik, who graduated from the Peace and Education High School (located on the first floor of PBMR’s main center), shared about his journey of finding himself throughout high school. Malik said, “I feel like my whole high school years, I was trying to find me and what I want to do ... I went from not going to school, to going to school, to graduating, and now getting a full ride. And it feels great! I am always trying to improve myself and become the best person I can be.” He is excited to share that he will be attending Arrupe College at Loyola University Chicago on a full scholarship as he pursues his long-time dream of becoming a pediatrician.
PBMR mentors have been there every step of the way and are excited to continue accompanying their participants toward their next wave of post-graduation goals. Participants have plans to pursue careers in nursing, music media, finance, and trade school, while many are still discerning their options. We can’t wait to see how they will continue to shine and to support them along the way.