“It’s not about who’s the smartest, it’s about who can persevere.” by Aaniyah

“It’s not about who’s the smartest, it’s about who can persevere.” by Aaniyah - March 2021 Scholarship Essay

Dr. Bonnie Cameron is a woman with a bachelor’s degree in English education, a master’s degree in English, and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. She currently teaches English on a military installation overseas, and she is my academic role model and an inspiration in my life. At a young age, she got married to a man, and soon after 3 children by the age of 25, her husband left her and took all of their assets with him.
Nevertheless, Dr. Cameron did not let that stop her from excelling and pursuing her education. Dr. Cameron lived in public housing early in her pursuit of education and reared three children as she worked various low-income jobs until she managed to complete her first degree. She started teaching at an inner-city public school in Indianapolis and then went on to put all three children through college while she continued working on advanced degrees in an effort to model the importance of education and secure financial stability for her family. As a young, single, and black mother, Dr. Cameron endured the waves of scrutiny and doubt from friends, family, and peers, yet she persisted and eventually was awarded her doctoral degree in 2001.
Dr.Cameron is the strongest woman I have ever met, and I have the honor of calling her, my grandmother. She inspires me as a constant reminder that anything is possible with grit, perseverance and education. “It’s not about who’s the smartest, it’s about who can persevere.” She continues to astound me with the amount of knowledge and wisdom she holds, and it motivates me never to stop learning or growing.