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D.R.E.A.M Come True Laquisha Davis had to learn to believe in herself before she could make a change.

It was only when Davis found the confidence to become a leader that she was able to realize her dream.

Davis completed that journey this month when she received her bachelor’s degree in professional studies from Mississippi University for Women. In her four-plus years at The W, the Yazoo City native realized she could inspire people with the leadership qualities she always knew were inside her.

“The W has made me a better person and helped me find myself,” Davis said. “I have gained a lot of knowledge and leadership skills from this school.”

Davis will enter the education leadership programs at Mississippi State after she graduates from The W. She wants to enhance her abilities to understand students and their habits.

Davis planted the seeds for that future growth at The W when she founded the organization D.R.E.A.M. United. Working with Ashlee Hill, Davis’ goal was to unite and to build up African-American community on campus. She said she was inspired to prove she could engage her peers and encourage them to join her in making a change in adopting the pillars of Dedication, Responsibility, Education, Attitude and Motivation. The organization started with five people and grew to 10 and then to 30.

“D.R.E.A.M United is a family,” Davis said. “We are people who can call on each other when we can’t call on anyone else. We would always come together and do homework and just have fun at my home.”

Davis credits Hill for being a mentor and never letting her down. She said Hill was there for her when she didn’t have anyone and that Hill “made a way out of no way.” As a result, Davis said she learned to keep going no matter the situation.

“She was my first adviser at The W,” Davis said of Hill. “She was very hard on me from day one. I am happy and blessed to have her in my life because she was the one person who did not judge where I came from or treat me differently upon meeting me. She is truly an angel sent from God. He knew I needed someone to push me to the limits, and that is exactly what she did.”

Davis said one of best memories at The W was receiving the Humanitarian Award at a D.R.E.A.M. United and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Black Excellence Gala. She said that honor solidified The W’s family-oriented atmosphere and made her feel loved, appreciated and inspired. Davis said she will strive to push her limits so she will be able to help her students feel the same way she felt at The W.

Credits:

Mississippi University for Women