Powerful Remarks from Wily Scholar Jasmine
After the insightful discussion with New York Times columnist and best selling author Frank Bruni and Wily alum Treasure Brooks, current Wily Scholar Jasmine took the stage to deliver a powerful speech that brought the program to a memorable conclusion, truly embodying the spirit of Wily.
Transcript of Jasmine’s Speech:
It is difficult for me to explain to all of you the significance of The Wily Network in my life or the lives of other Scholars because Wily means so many different things, and I and those who I am blessed to be part of this Pack with are also very different. But what I can tell you with 100% percent honesty and confidence is that we are all brilliant.
And that as the world does to brilliance, our light has many times been shadowed over. That is until we become a part of the Wily Pack. I started the program my sophomore year of college, me and my Coach were actually both new to the program and figuring things out, but I can tell you that my experience at Simmons before the Wily Network versus after is very different.
Before Wily I was very doubtful, I had failed many classes and even though I was attending school on a full scholarship, I felt incapable. I made friends but could never really get to know them because I was waitressing and I compared myself to others, I specifically compared my home life to others. I felt overwhelmed, never good enough, and like maybe college was for me but just not right now.
I was introduced to Wily by a high school teacher, with a heart that he extended to his students and now I’m not so doubtful. Wily, specifically my Coach Kayla, have been there for me since day one. I remember my first meeting with Kayla being nervous to overshare but so filled with relief because I finally had someone willing to help me, not a tutor or a therapist, but someone who cared about it all, and someone who didn’t feel burdened by my problems or goals.
I don’t usually reach my hand out too often to look for help, but the Coaches at Wily don’t make it hard, in fact, I don’t think I have to reach my hand that far out before my Coach is already extending hers to mine.
The Wily Network has given me and others a foundation like we’ve never had before, and while nothing could erase the hardships we’ve encountered, I know that we’d all agree that the support we receive from The Wily Network is unlike any other. I can’t say that I wouldn’t be in college today if it weren’t for Wily but I can say that it is because of Wily that I know I have a space and belong in college and professional settings.
Because of Wily, I feel brilliant.
Thank you.
