Tamara Hackett Swain with the Christina PAT Shares Success Story

This was a graduation speech written by a mom who was a client of the Christina Parents as Teachers program. Her home visitor was Tamara Hackett Swain, whom the client asked to pin her at her graduation ceremony.

My story begins in 2006, with the birth of my oldest daughter, Ja’Niyah, and a move from the west side of town to my current home. Though I wanted desperately to continue my education, I entered the working world to support myself and my baby. I was homeschooled prior to Ja’Niyah’s birth and introduced to the Parents as Teachers program. It changed my life! I wanted what was best for my child and knew I had so much to learn. Parents as Teachers did that and more! Tamara became a part of my life and is still counseling me. I guess I got pretty good at it, because I began to explore finishing high school. Tamara also helped me with this — introducing me to the Christina School District Family Literacy Program in January 2020. Then, wouldn’t you know it, the pandemic hit us hard! Because I had young children, the Family Literacy Program was a great fit. It helped me with early childhood and parenting issues, and gave me time to attend class at the Stubbs Dual Generation Center. Unfortunately, the pandemic quickly shut things down and forced me to learn remotely, with a houseful of kids ages 1 to 13. But I learned and adapted, overcoming many setbacks along the way. My teachers were always there to support me and answer whatever questions I had. Now I’m one step closer to my as-yet-undecided new career. I will be attending Del Tech Community College this fall.  Thank you to everyone who helped me on my journey! I couldn’t have done it without you!

 

Written by Precious Hannah and submitted by Noelle Bartkowski

Senior Lead Educator
Parents as Teachers
Stubbs Dual Generation Center
1100 N. Pine St.
Wilmington, DE 19801

302-454-5955