Nov. 25, 2024
Jada Swan, a recent graduate from East Kentwood High School, was the 2023 recipient of the Inherit the Dream Scholarship to attend Grand Rapids Community College. The scholarship was established in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to inspire students who are members of historically underrepresented or underserved groups. When Swan was notified that she had won the scholarship, she was equally shocked and ecstatic.
“Being chosen for the scholarship helped me see that other people believed in me. They saw something in me. I felt like they saw enough that they wanted to invest in me,” Swan said. “As a young, African American lady, I know not all people like me have confidence. Sometimes people look the other way when they see me. Being chosen to receive the scholarship showed me that I could do it, just like anyone else.”
Swan always had her eyes set on the path of college. After attending her high school’s transfer fair and visiting the college’s campus during summer tours for enrollment, Swan knew GRCC was the place for her. The people she met along the way helped her feel seen and connected.
“The people were really helpful. I saw a lot of people in the financial aid department that were able to guide me,” Swan said. “They helped me see that college could be attainable and not a big battle for me.”
Knowing GRCC was part of her future goal and following the advice of her mentor at school, Swan began researching scholarships to help make her goals a reality. After searching for titles that felt attainable for her, Swan found the Inherit the Dream Scholarship.
“The title resonated with me. It sounded like Martin Luther King. So, I thought, this might be relatable and something I could write about,” Swan said. “What the scholarship stood for, I knew I could write about.”
Swan’s commitment to pursuing the path of college had some hurdles for her to overcome. COVID-19 presented some financial challenges putting her at a deficit from previous years. She lost a year’s worth of consistent income. This setback caused Swan to wonder whether she’d be able to afford the path she knew she wanted.
“If I didn’t get the scholarship, I believe I’d be struggling to afford books and a computer,” Swan said. “It really helped me to release some of the financial worry in alleviating some of those burdens and helping reduce my tuition. It was the blessing I needed to remind me I can do this.”
In addition to pursuing a career in medicine, studying to become an obstetrician gynecologist, Swan serves her community to help others feel included.
“The scholarship really shined a light upon a hard situation. I still get looked at and it brings up insecurities I still battle,” Swan said. “But the scholarship showed me I belong here. There are people who believe in me.”
Swan joined the Black Student Union to help others feel the inclusion and connection she has felt through her experience in receiving the Inherit the Dream Scholarship. It gave her the motivation to continue chasing after her dreams.
Swan shared how deeply the scholarship impacted her confidence.
“Success is not who you’ve become with your background or ethnicity, but of how you’ve made a difference in the world from all of your tribulations. I want to become that difference and become that role model for African Americans like me. I want to become that inspiration, especially in the health care field that I have them through thick and thin. I am here for them to lean on when they feel like they have nobody to lean on to. That’s the doctor I want to be,” Swan said. “I want them to feel loved, seen and cared for regardless of the circumstances. I believe that’s what a true doctor is. How are you going to win/succeed if you’re scared to take the risk? Don’t let your fear overcome your own desires. Remember what you wanted, what you currently have? That’s a sign to keep going. If you know you can do better, do better without fear. And have faith on your journey. Write it down, manifest it and it will come. So, if you’re waiting for a sign, this is it!”
Swan imagined the life she wants. She set her eyes on applying for the Inherit the Dream Scholarship to potentially make attending GRCC an attainable reality. Not only was Swan’s hard work recognized by the scholarship committee, it also gave her a new sense of inclusion that propelled her confidence and motivation to new heights.
Applications for the Inherit the Dream Scholarship are open until Nov. 30, 2024.
This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell.