More Superheroes from the 2021 Fall Scholarships Awarded
Just a month ago we introduced you to some of our amazing 2021 Fall Scholarship Winners – men and women striving for a higher education regardless of the personal hurdles along the way. Today we want to introduce you to four more of the 2021 Fall Scholarship Winners. Young women whose dedication, diligence, and determination – despite the odds – are paving the way for their undergraduate and graduate collegial education in fields chosen to focus on others’ needs. Let’s meet them!
Khaija Faulk
“In my early childhood” Khaija told us, “I struggled greatly in school. I was held back a year due to not reading at grade level. My mother, a single parent, moved us to where the schooling was better. I got remediation help that increased my reading proficiency, and my level flourished.” But, just as Khaija’s studies began to improve, her mother’s financial hardships forced them to move, from elementary through middle school. “It was my mother’s words that made the difference: ‘No matter what, Khaija, take your education seriously.’”
Khaija took her mother’s words to heart. She began doing her school work with determination, dedication, and diligence. She maintained good grades regardless of circumstances, and by the time Khaija was in 8th Grade, she was offered an opportunity to test into a 9th Grade Algebra class. She not only passed the exam but completed the online course during the 8th Grade!
From 2016 to 2020, Khaija attended Landry-Walker High School in New Orleans, LA, while also taking advanced course work at New Orleans Career Center (NOCC). Although she selected NOCC’s Medical Assistant Course, a two-year program, she worked that course through the summer of 2018, successfully completing it in one year!
As only Khaija could put it, “I was an 18-year-old college freshman, a high school senior, Youth Force Nola Intern at Ochsner Health - southeast Louisiana's largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system, and part-time Walmart employee. I lost two very close relatives to Covid-19 that year and another to an opioid overdose. Despite my losses and sleepless nights,” Khaija continued, “I remained focused and pushed through intense 8-week courses while being there for my family.”
Hurricane Ida hit in August 2021, damaging her home and leaving her displaced. In addition, she lost another relative to depression. Once again, Khaija was faced with loss but remained determined to fulfill her purpose.
“I am now a junior at Chamberlain University at the age of 20,” Khaija told us. I have maintained Honor Roll status and made the Dean’s List throughout my enrollment. I have four semesters remaining and am still fighting to make my dreams become reality.”
Khaija Faulk earned The 431 Exchange’s Fall 2021 Scholarship for her unfailing determination to secure her professional dreams, which - after becoming a Registered Nurse - will be to earn her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Stay tuned!
Lily Francioni
Lily Francioni, born in China, was adopted at 11 months “into a loving and welcoming family.” At 4 foot 9 inches, she was the tiniest person in her family, classes, and volunteer activities. But that never stopped Lily!
At age 4, she enrolled in classical ballet. At 13, she was given the lead role of Clara, in the Nutcracker Ballet, and, in her Senior year, danced as the soloist Chinese Tea Dancer, in the Nutcracker. Meanwhile, Lily tried out for the High School’s Dance Team, earned an officer position through her work and determination, and led a team of 41 girls through the disillusions and difficulties of the Covid-19 year.
With each new opportunity, including volunteering at camps for children with special needs, Lily discovered that being out of her comfort zone was the best way to face life. It helped build emotional strength, focus on positive outcomes, and experience the joy of sharing happiness and laughter with others.
Lily told us, “With Covid-19 hitting at the end of my junior year, I knew my senior year wouldn’t be ordinary, but I am proud of overcoming all the difficulties and graduating in 2021 with a 3.43 GPA.” Lily has discovered she has tremendous value, despite her size!
She enrolled at Louisiana State University, majoring in Family and Child Studies with the goal of becoming a Child Life Specialist or Occupational Therapist.
We hope you’ve found Lily Francioni’s dedication, diligence, and determination as amazing as we do. And yet, she’s not alone!
Marie Francioni
Marie is an extremely hardworking young woman. Whether at school, with friends, or at work, Marie focuses on the tasks at hand. “I work hard to keep my grades up, my connections with friends strong, and when I work, I make sure customers are satisfied with the help I am providing.”
Now enrolled in Louisiana State University’s Pre-Nursing Program, Marie has a 3.7 GPA on her way to graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2024. “I plan to work as a Registered Nurse after graduation,” Marie said, “eventually going back to school to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.” The 431 Exchange congratulates Marie for receiving one of its Fall 2021 Scholarships! Go Marie!
Torrance Taylor
Did Clark Kent wear glasses? Torrance Taylor wears her own version that look as scholarly as Superman’s and seems well suited to be another one of our 2021 Fall Scholarship ‘Superheroes.’
Torrance graduated last Spring with plans in place for her future and pride in doing things that seem ‘impossible’ for someone her age. “I graduated high school as Valedictorian with a GPA of 4.2 and almost 40 credits toward college. I had begun several college courses at New Orleans’ Career Center where Chamberlain University offered an accelerated nursing program, and had done exceptionally well. With a lot of hard work and dedication, I became a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant in the middle of Senior year. I took Anatomy and Physiology for the first time and ended the class with a B+! I’m proud I did all those things in one year!”
Torrance continues her enrollment in Chamberlain University’s College of Nursing’s accelerated nursing program. She anticipates receiving her Batchelor’s Degree in Nursing in 2024. After receiving that degree, Torrance plans to work while continuing on for her Master’s in Nursing.
As Torrance told us, “I didn’t believe the statement, ‘Anything is possible’ until recently. Now I’ve learned that with a little hard work, it’s true! My senior year taught me that when times get tough, I have to keep going. ANYTHING is possible! Ultimately,” Torrance said, “my goal is to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and work alongside many great Physician Assistants and Doctors.” This 431 Exchange 2021 Fall Scholarship Recipient is another example of our how Superheroes can make it happen!
Our Scholarship Applicants range from 18-year-olds to those in their 60s. They share a common desire for what an educational program has to offer. A distinguishing factor many of the Scholarship Recipients share is such hardship that their ‘true grit’ seems to help them get where they are going. Unparalleled drive and determination make a difference. These men and women are an inspiration!
Thank you so much for your interest in our work. Giving a ‘hand up’ to adults of every age is our mission. We believe in those seeking educational programs to equip themselves with the skills and tools that build self-confidence and financial stability. Thank you to those of you who have donated to The 431 Exchange. 100% of your donation goes toward scholarships to outstanding adults 18 years-of-age and up.