Friday, October 30, Boston GLOW’s 2011 IGNITE Change Finalist Asheley Williams jubilantly announced that she will begin coursework towards a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Massachusetts Boston.  “So it’s official.  I start in January!”

One word describes this inspirational young woman.  That word is determination.  Originally scheduled to graduate from the Jeremiah E. Burke High School in 2010, Asheley was left behind when she struggled to pass the math portion of the MCAS exam.   Asheley was not alone in this category:  in 2010 only 28% of students at the Burke High School passed the math MCAS on their first try and less than 60% of students graduated[i].  However, as she watched her peers graduate and plan their futures, Asheley refused to give up on graduation, despite the fact she was required to take the math portion of the MCAS for the seventh time. 

Determined to succeed, Asheley and her father searched the city for resources, finally discovering the Pathways to Success MCAS class at Roxbury Community College.  It was during this course that Asheley heard of an opportunity.  While she was perfecting her algebra skills, she could write an essay for Boston GLOW.   All she had to do was write an essay about how to change her community for a chance to win a $500 scholarship.  “That’s the start of my college fund”, Asheley enthusiastically expressed, and went home eager to write her essay about the community of Roxbury, a place she loved and calls home.  “Even though Roxbury has all these great things about it some people don’t care.  They need to respect their area, their HOME, and take better care of it”, she wrote.  She continued to explain that her community should be recognized as more than a zipcode, but a source of pride.

Asheley’s words impressed a panel of judges, all published female authors, and in April, Asheley was selected as finalist for Boston GLOW’s first ever IGNITE Change Essay contest.   Immediately she knew what this meant.  She would have $500 for her college fund.  In April of 2011 Asheley passed her MCAS, received her high school diploma, and with the support of Boston GLOW began to talk about her career and educational future.

Last January, Asheley Williams wrote about change she could make in her community.  Ten months later, she is making a change for her future by heading to college.   Recently, Boston GLOW founder, Leah Moschella, asked Asheley if she was excited and if she needed any support to ensure her success.  She was quick to respond, “You’ve always supported me.  I know that’s never going to stop, but I know I’m ready for this!”  Congratulations, Asheley!  We know you’re ready, and we’re excited to see you succeed!