July Alumni Spotlight: Janmed Achu, (T.C. Williams High School)
In 2010, at the age of 16, Janmed stepped onto the plane with her sisters that would transport them from Sierra Leone to the United States to unite with her parents. Starting one’s sophomore year of high school in a new country with a foreign language is an inconceivably difficult feat, but Janmed embodied grit and determination throughout every stage of her educational and career journey. Telling her undoubtedly inspirational story here, she proves that with the right resources and mentors, any dream is attainable.
Upon arriving at T.C. Williams, now called Alexandria City High School, Janmed says that her initial experience was thoroughly unfamiliar and uncomfortable. “I didn’t know anyone or how to navigate things, where to go, who to ask, that kind of thing.” It wasn’t until she was recommended Liberty’s Promise by another student, also from Sierra Leone, that she was able to visualize her future in this new country.
“English was not my first language, so interacting with students and doing different activities helped me improve my speaking confidence. They would take us to college tours which my parents didn’t have the time to do because most colleges were two to four hours away. Even if you weren’t interested in going to college at that time, the exposure motivated students to consider it. Having a program dedicated to sharing with us the various paths you could take and then also helping with the college and financial aid application processes was really helpful.”
Janmed says she always knew she wanted to be a nurse. “Coming from an underdeveloped country, my goal was to create a fulfilling career here in the states so that when I am ready, I can go back to my country, open a practice, and give back to my community as a nurse practitioner.” With this in mind, she ambitiously set forth on her career in the healthcare field by earning a CNA certification before graduating from high school.
Through Liberty’s Promise she was able to learn the means through which she could pursue her education was key to action. Understanding that she could save money by attending a community college for the first two years of her undergraduate degree ultimately helped her to graduate from Chamberlain University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. After four years of working as a nurse, she returned to her alma mater to earn a masters in nursing. She now works as a nurse practitioner.
Upon asking her what the most gratifying part of her job is, she aptly responded, “Waking up every day knowing that I can make a difference in somebody’s life.”
Recognizing that LP was a key player in her post-high school experience, she confidently stated that she would recommend the program to current students. “The free information and field trips are opportunities you cannot pass up. They give you the resources to continue your life after high school.”
For students considering college, Janmed reminds us that those few years of investment in your future prepares you with the skills, connections, and knowledge to pursue what it is you want to do. “Though college is not an easy task, it can be done. There are times you might feel like giving up but remember that the end goal is to have a better career and to be able to take care of yourself and your family. Stay focused and keep going.”
Thank you Janmed for sharing with us your remarkable story. You serve as an inspirational role model for current and future immigrant youth. Your accomplishments show the power of perseverance and that each of us can reach our full potential when we are connected with the right resources.