My grandmother inspired me to become a social worker. Growing up, I took care of her and helped her around the house. Her sweetness and kindness brightened me up inside. And the way she appreciated me for doing things for her made me feel loved. I like helping people and putting smiles on their faces.
My grandmother passed on November 29, 2016, from sickle cell. It affected me a lot. I think that was my 11th-grade year. I was going to graduate early, but I ended up not graduating early because of the effect her death had on me. I was kind of depressed at the time. But I had to understand she’s not coming back, and I’ll someday have to get over it. I’m not fully over it. I think about her from time to time, but I’m better. My friends and family step up and keep a smile on my face, so I don’t have to think about stuff like that.
And I know my grandmother feels good about what I’m doing.”
– Deontrevious, senior social work major from Natchez, Miss.
