Myteesha Reynolds

The Power of the Human Will

Despite the gloom and doom reported on the nightly news, there are still everyday people doing extraordinary things.  One such person is Myteesha Reynolds, a Center for Literacy Adult Diploma Program (ADP) graduate.  Myteesha dropped out of high school at 16 after her mother became seriously ill and she was a teen mother.  She said, “I just stopped going to school,”and have worked since then.  However, throughout the years she realized that not having a high school diploma was an impediment to accomplishing her dreams, but “I kept putting it off because of fear, but I knew it was something I had to do,” she said.

Myteesha eventually overcame her fear.  In June 2008, she completed CFL’s ADP program and received her high school diploma.  Myteesha had to juggle a full schedule.  Her duties included a job at St.Christopher’s in adolescent medicine, being the mother of 8-year-old twins, a 12 year old, and a 15 year old.  In addition, her husband, the victim of a robbery, where he was shot and paralyzed from the waist down required additional support.  Her full plate, however, did not deter her from persevering.  She said she would often be the beacon of inspiration to her classmates who would sometimes say they could not do it.  Her answer to those sentiments was a staunch, “there is no such thing as you can’t do this.”  She said, as long as you have the drive “you can grab a hold of what you want out of life.”

Myteesha said, “It was a sacrifice because I was a full-time employee, full-time mom, and a wife.”  She completed the program in an amazing four months.  While juggling all her responsibilities she pulled inspiration from her children and said she did it not only for herself but also for them and wanted to provide them with better financial stability.  She also wanted to “show my kids that they can accomplish anything.”

She discovered CFL through a brochure, which was given to her to distribute to others, while at work.  She read the brochure and to her surprise learned that she could get her high school diploma through CFL and said, “I would recommend it to anyone.”  In fact, she recommended it to her brother who will complete ADP classes soon.

Myteesha still works at St. Christopher’s Hospital in adolescent medicine and is working toward becoming a registered nurse.  She said, “I would be a great asset to the nursing profession and enjoy working with children and adolescents.”  She said, “I love what I do.”  She is now in her second semester at Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), where she plans to attain an associate degree in nursing.  She plans to go on to get a bachelor’s.  Myteesha would like to thank her husband, children, and family for their support.  She also wanted to thank her ADP mentor Vyann Scholfield.