Rising from the Ashes: A Journey of Education, Resilience, and Family - Minister Chanel L. Kennedy-Bertrand, MACF, MNA, MSIS, BSCS
Overcoming life’s challenges in education has been a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. I dropped out of high school at a young age, feeling lost and uncertain about my future. At the time, it seemed like the end of my educational journey. However, little did I know that life had more in store for me. I realized that education is not just about degrees but about a commitment to personal growth and the pursuit of knowledge.
I decided to return to school despite the obstacles and self-doubt. This decision would eventually lead me to earn several degrees, including a dual master's degree, a Master of Arts in Christian Formation (MACF) and a Master of Nonprofit Administration (MNA), as well as a Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS). These achievements are not just pieces of paper; they represent my triumph over adversity and my determination to provide a better future for myself, my five children, and now my grandchildren.
When I began pursuing higher education, I was already a mother with three young children. Balancing school, family life, and the responsibilities of raising children was no easy feat, especially while navigating the complexities of child care. Finding reliable, affordable child care was one of the most difficult challenges I faced. Many times, I had to rely on family members, community programs, or flexible school schedules to make it all work. This juggling act often left me with little time for myself, but I remained steadfast in my belief that pursuing education would ultimately provide a better life for my family. Despite the challenges, I managed to balance the demands of school and child care, and I remained focused on the goal of completing my degrees.
Through it all, I held on to the belief that with God, anything is possible. I challenge myself every day to push beyond the limits I once thought were insurmountable. Not only do I strive to be a better version of myself, but I also encourage my children and grandchildren to do the same. I teach them that education holds the key to a brighter future, one that is shaped by effort, perseverance, and an unyielding commitment to personal growth.
As the famous quote by Maya Angelou says, “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” Like a phoenix that rises from the ashes, I have rebuilt my life through education, proving that even from the depths of struggle, it is possible to increase, transform, and soar to new heights—both for me and for the generations that follow.
To support positive change for children and families in my community, I have developed and implemented a literacy program for children aged 7-17 through my nonprofit organization, Freedom to R.I.S.E. This program focuses on bridging educational gaps by enhancing literacy skills, fostering a love of reading, and promoting personal growth through literature. By offering engaging activities such as interactive reading sessions, book discussions, and creative writing exercises, the program aims to build foundational literacy skills and critical thinking abilities in young people.
In addition to the core literacy activities, we emphasize the importance of literacy as leadership. The program encourages students to see themselves as future leaders by enhancing their ability to communicate, analyze information, and express themselves effectively. We also address the specific needs of underserved communities by providing free access to educational materials, mentorship, and emotional support to ensure all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive.
Looking forward, I believe there are several additional ways we can support positive change for children and families. Expanding the program to include family engagement initiatives—such as parent workshops on supporting literacy at home—would help create a more cohesive learning environment. We also plan to collaborate with local schools, libraries, and community centers to offer after-school reading programs and summer learning initiatives, ensuring children have continuous access to resources that promote literacy and academic success.
By providing children with the tools they need to excel in their education, we not only empower them individually but also strengthen the overall fabric of our community, promoting long-term positive outcomes for families. Through these efforts, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of young people and help break cycles of poverty and educational inequality.
