The Unhidden Figure Dr. Joy Moore by Katherine

The Unhidden Figure Dr. Joy Moore by Katherine - June 2019 Scholarship Essay

If I had to consider which teacher has made an impact in my life and the lesson that I have learned I would have to choose the amazing and always classy Dr. Joy Moore math chair and unhidden figure at Saint Petersburg College in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Moore has been in my life since the fall of 2014 and has been one of the catalysts to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and Administration.
When I first started college, I was newly out of the Army and kept to myself a lot. Because of this, I didn’t voice my opinions because of lack of confidence. It was not until Dr. Moore became the club advisor to Badeya our campus Black Student Union that I realized I had a voice. As our advisor, she would speak to us on the importance of loving and accepting yourself. Whenever I lacked confidence when it came to my studies, she would remind me that I can do anything that I put my mind too. Dr. Moore would encourage me to speak and voice my opinion when it concerned topic’s I am passionate about. One of those topics is community engagement and civil rights activism. Due to her encouragement, I had the opportunity to serve as a board member for the Florida African American Student Association as the Political Action Director. That lead me to participate in judicial reform in the state of Florida.
Dr. Moore’s encouragement advises and dedication to my growth motivated me to push myself academically, socially and personally. She showed me that an individual doesn’t have to be you’re a parent to treat you and believe in you as a parent would. It is my hope that I get to encourage and empower as many people as she has. Leaving a legacy of empathy and honesty. I will be forever thankful for all she has done for me and all other students that have come into her life. She calls us her blessing when in reality it is her that is the blessing.