“To shoot for the moon, even if it means landing amongst the stars, was advice my mother always gave me. Taken in by the program Take Stock in Children during middle school was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Take Stock not only gave me hope for the future, but also relayed support through my amazing mentors, motivation to be the best, and accountability.

The odds were against me initially growing up in a single parent household and very little income coming in. My mom had always pushed me to be my best, especially when it came to academics. I always had a drive to become something great even from a young age. Take stock gave me that ray of hope; almost as a confirmation to say that I really could do anything I wanted to if I put my mind to it, and be anything I wanted to be. On January 1, 2008, my mother passed away of cirrhosis of the liver during my junior year of high school. Because of the extensive support of my mentor, and reaching out of coordinators within the program, I was able to push through and go on to graduate with high honors.

Today, I am a vibrant student in my second year of college at Lee University in Cleveland, TN. My passion for music has driven me to study in the School of Music there, and practice under some of the most esteemed professors and musicians. I plan on graduating in 2013 with a B.A. in Music, and a minor in both Religion and Journalism. The word ‘can’t’ has never been in my vocabulary, and thanks to Take Stock I have been able to make all my dreams come true.”

– Kayla Krumm