On March 17, 10 children from the US Dream Academy at Memorial Middle School visited UCF for “A Day in the Life of a Knight.” The US Dream Academy focuses on the social and educational development of students in high-risk areas.
Natacha Jerome, senior marketing and finance major and LEAD Scholar Academy student, said the event was organized “so that they would be able to experience an interactive and engaging experience with college students.”
While visiting UCF, the students attended Donald Harrell’s Evolution of Hip Hop class, heard from Housing and Residence Life Associate Director Arian Bryant, and asked their questions about college to a student panel.
Participants of the panel were: Tyderian Cocroft, junior marketing student and marketing director for the Multicultural Student Center; Ericka Francois, senior early childhood development major; Gerald McDonald, senior accounting major; Terrence Smith, senior social sciences education major; Austin Udongwo, senior mechanical engineering major; Brittany Idelette, UCF concurrent nursing alumnus; Mecia Lockwood, graduate assistant for MSC; Janeeka Raymond, UCF finance alumnus; and Brice Yates, MSC coordinator.
This is the second year of A Day in the Life of a Knight, an event Jerome started to give back to the community while also incorporating her love of mentorship.
Jerome said, “I am from Orlando and live in a high-risk, poverty-stricken area where most children get lost because they do not have the opportunity to experience mentorship. Through the guidance of mentorship and encouraging parents, I have achieved success. Now, I wish to give back and help others reach their full potential.”