As a Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) Promise Academy scholar, Tahvis knew he wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. He loved math and biology, and he enjoyed helping people in his community. But breaking into the field isn’t easy — a fact he discovered when he didn’t get into the research fellowship he applied for during his junior year.
But Tahvis didn’t give up on his dream. He had resilience, a trait that his HCZ Promise Academy teachers helped him cultivate. He also had an entire community of support in HCZ.
“When I didn’t get into the fellowship, I was disappointed. I learned how competitive the healthcare field can be,” Tahvis recalled. “But with help from HCZ, I was motivated to keep going.”
Today, Tahvis is realizing his dream as a healthcare professional. He is among the many HCZ alumni who, after going through our pipeline of comprehensive services, are building successful careers in the field. At HCZ, we empower the success of our scholars — from cradle to career.
As part of our new HCZ Scholars at Work series, we caught up with Tahvis and two other alumni, Yvonne and Fatoumata, to learn about their careers, how HCZ impacted them, and their dreams for the future.
Alumni Break into Healthcare
Tahvis may have missed out on the fellowship. But he wasn’t about to quit on his dream.
With the support of his teachers, he overcame that setback and continued to work hard. He was proud to become the valedictorian of the first HCZ Promise Academy II High School class. Once in college, he pursued a BS in Biology from Morehouse College, while receiving support from College Success Office (CSO) to persist in his post-secondary journey.
Today, he’s a medical assistant at a renowned ear, nose, and throat practice in New York City, where he works under some of the top professionals in the field.
“HCZ taught me that success doesn’t always come right away,” Tahvis said. “Dreams take work.”
Like Tahvis, Yvonne dreamed of breaking into the medical field. But she struggled to embrace her potential. With the help of her HCZ Promise Academy teachers and counselors, she cultivated her confidence and went onto pursue a BS in Biology at the University of Albany. She is now an admitting representative at a distinguished hospital in New York City.
“I’m naturally a shy person and my counselors helped build my confidence,” she says. “Now, I can confidently interact with patients, doctors, and nurses all day at my job. ”
Fatoumata, a graduate of our Zone High School Programs and a CSO scholar, got academic support that helped her not only graduate from high school, but also thrive in college. Following in her sister’s footsteps, she became a school nurse.
“The best part of my day is connecting with my students,” says Fatoumata, who earned a BS in Nursing from Lehman College. “It’s not always about feeling sick. Sometimes, they just need someone to talk to when they’re feeling down.”
Support Through College, Career, and Life
To prepare for college, Tahvis, Yvonne, and Fatoumata had HCZ in their corners. They explored colleges, got help choosing majors, and gained early exposure that shaped their passions — and a sense of possibility — in their future fields.
Tahvis credits a Summer Exposure Opportunity with a healthcare professionals outreach program in New York for giving him a first-hand look into healthcare.
“From there, I cemented my professional path,” he says.
As we always say, our scholars may leave the Zone, but the Zone never leaves them. Scholars get support from HCZ long after high school and college, including through CSO and Wealth Builds Career Services.
Fatoumata sees that support — including her relationships with her long-time CSO mentors — as key to her success.
“I still keep in touch with those who believed in me and pushed me to do my best. I’m forever grateful for that,” Fatoumata shares.
HCZ Alumni Lead and Give Back
Tahvis, Yvonne, and Fatoumata may be early in their careers. But they’re already thinking about promotions, advanced degrees, and making a broader impact in their communities. Their goals, they have no doubt, are in their reach.
“My dream is to be a leader and to uplift my community,” Tahvis says. “I want to establish a strong system of healthcare and care equity in the place where I grew up.”
“My main goal and purpose in life is to be someone who is impactful in everything they do,” shares Fatoumata. “I want to touch every soul that I encounter.”
“I see my future self possibly going back to school to become a physician’s assistant and moving into a leadership position,” Yvonne shares. “I see myself helping as many people as possible.”