Growing in Confidence, Creating a Future

For I'necia, her years at Atlanta Youth Academy (AYA) have been about more than academic growth. They've given her the chance to find her voice, build confidence, discover her strengths, and begin imagining the possibilities ahead.

Now in eighth grade, I'necia is preparing to graduate from AYA after four years at the school, where she has attended with the support of an Arete scholarship. Her mother, Shandwanda, is also a teacher at AYA, making the school community an important part of their family's life.

Since joining AYA in fifth grade, I'necia has grown in ways her mother is proud to see. Shandwanda has watched her daughter become more comfortable communicating with adults, speaking up for herself, and stepping into new situations.

"I think it has prepared her for being able to self-advocate and speak up for herself," Shandwanda shares. "It has provided her with opportunities that she wouldn't normally get, putting her in rooms that she wouldn't usually be in, so it helped her confidence."

Those opportunities have allowed I'necia to explore her interests and discover new ways to express herself. She stays active in cheerleading, flag football, choir, and art club, balancing her academic pursuits with activities that help her grow creatively and socially.

One person who has made a lasting impression during her time at AYA is her math teacher, Mr. Johnson. Shandwanda remembers how he greets I'necia with excitement, makes her feel known, and takes the time to build a meaningful relationship with her.

Beyond helping her strengthen her math skills, he has encouraged her to recognize her own abilities and potential as a leader.

That encouragement, paired with a supportive school community, has helped I'necia see more of what she can accomplish.

As she looks toward high school, I'necia has her sights set on Pace Academy in Smyrna, Georgia. She is excited about the opportunity to challenge herself academically, make new friends, and explore activities beyond the classroom. She hopes to participate in debate, theater, dance, or cheer, and continue pursuing her love of painting and creating crafts.

Her interests also offer a glimpse into the future she imagines for herself. I'necia dreams of becoming a business owner and plans to open her own craft and jewelry-making shop, where she can create and sell her original designs. She is also interested in becoming an art teacher, sharing her creativity and helping other students discover their talents.

"When I think about my future, I see myself being creative, successful, and doing something that I truly enjoy," I'necia wrote in a letter sharing her goals and ambitions.

Her mother shares those big dreams. Shandwanda hopes to see I'necia attend college, earn her degrees, and eventually build a successful business of her own. More than anything, she wants her daughter to continue growing into a confident young woman who believes in herself and isn't afraid to pursue what she wants.

"We're hoping she is able to fully break out of her shell," Shandwanda says. "She's very shy, and so we're hoping she's able to get to a point where she feels fully confident in who she is and being able to express herself in a way she wants to."

As I'necia prepares for this next chapter, her family is grateful for the role AYA and Arete Scholars have played in making these opportunities possible. For Shandwanda, the scholarship has meant access to schools and experiences that might not otherwise have been within reach for her children. Her son, Isaiah, is also an Arete Scholar and currently attends AYA in second grade.

"Thank you for providing this service for our family. We wouldn't be able to attend the schools that we have attended without it," Shandwanda shares. "It's definitely appreciated and welcomed. Just thank you from I'necia and me."

Every student's journey looks different, but for I'necia, these years have helped lay a foundation for what comes next. With growing confidence, a love for learning and creating, and a future full of possibilities, she is ready to take her next steps.

And whether she is leading a team, designing her next creation, or one day opening a business of her own, the encouragement and opportunities she has received along the way will continue to help her dream bigger.