Taneshia's Story
Q: How did you get involved with the Petey Greene Program (PGP)?
My name is Taneshia. I am 39 years old, a mother, a full-time college student, and a Petey Greene Scholar. I returned to school at age 38 to pursue a career in nursing. I first got involved with the Petey Greene Program through Project Impact, which is located on the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) campus.
Q: What are your long-term education and career goals?
My long-term goal is to earn my medical degree and practice as an anesthesiologist. While I am currently on the nursing path, I view it as a critical bridge toward becoming an MD.
Q: What impact do you hope to make?
I hope to inspire more women of color, specifically Black women, to aim higher. I want to show them that there are people who look like them, and who come from similar backgrounds, occupying spaces they were once told they didn’t belong.
Q: Your tutors have noted how you take charge of your sessions by sending materials ahead of time and asking for more challenges. What motivates you to take such an intentional role in your education?
My motivation is simple: results. I know that maintaining an active and intentional role in my studies leads to good grades, and good grades lead to better schools and scholarship opportunities.
Q: Can you tell us about a time you overcame a major challenge or obstacle?
The greatest challenge I have ever overcome was the internal belief that I was unworthy of being an upstanding citizen or deserving of greatness. Shifting that mindset has been my most significant victory.
Q: Looking back on this past year, what is one moment where you felt most proud of the leadership you’ve shown in your own life?
I am most proud of the moment I stopped caring about the opinions of others and simply started living authentically. Taking ownership of my own path, regardless of external judgment, has been a true act of leadership.
Q: What advice do you have for other students?
Never look at someone else to validate you or the things that make you unique. Your value comes from within.