Jesse’s Journey of Perseverance and Purpose

When Jesse walks across the stage to receive his diploma from Georgia Military College, he’ll carry more than just a degree. He’ll carry every lesson, encouragement, and belief poured into him by his teachers at SOAR Academy in Augusta, Georgia—the place that helped him discover what he’s capable of.

Jesse was born with cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects muscle coordination and movement. For him, it means challenges with mobility and strength on his right side. From the start, he faced obstacles that would have made a typical public school environment difficult; long hallways, crowded classrooms, and rigid schedules could easily overwhelm a student needing extra support and patience. “Before coming to SOAR, school was really hard for me at times,” Jesse recalls. “In my old school, I didn’t always get the support or understanding I needed. It was easy to feel left out or like I couldn’t keep up.”

That changed when he found SOAR Academy. “At SOAR, everything changed,” he says. “Mrs. Kenisha took the time to understand me and how I learn best. That made me feel capable and confident in a way I hadn’t before.”

SOAR Academy became a turning point in Jesse’s life. It wasn’t just a place of learning; it was a community that saw potential where others might have seen limits. “SOAR Academy was all about helping you get to where you’re going,” Jesse explains. “They got me into college. They helped me get here.”

He smiles as he remembers how his teachers encouraged him to keep going, even when he felt like giving up. “Even when it was hard and I wanted to quit, they told me I could do it and to keep going,” he recalls. “Now I’m actually here, doing it.”

But the journey wasn’t always easy. “There was a time when I wanted to quit,” Jesse admits. “It took a lot of effort physically and mentally. It would’ve been easy to give up, but Mrs. Kenisha kept reminding me to take it one step at a time. I had to learn to be patient with myself and to keep pushing through the hard parts. When I finally finished, I felt proud because I knew how much work it took to get there. That experience really taught me what perseverance means.”

At SOAR, the support Jesse received went beyond academics. It was personal and steady, with teachers who truly cared and gave their time and patience to make sure every student had the chance to succeed. “It’s mostly for people with disabilities like me, people with cerebral palsy and other challenges,” Jesse explains. “But I’m a miracle. I can talk, I can do what I need to do. I’m happy where I am, and they got me to where I need to be today.”

Behind Jesse’s determination is also a strong foundation at home. “My grandparents have been my biggest supporters from the start,” he says. “Living with cerebral palsy isn’t always easy, but they’ve always believed in me and reminded me that I can still do great things, even if I have to do them differently. They pushed me to stay strong and never use my challenges as an excuse to stop trying. Just like Mrs. Kenisha at SOAR, they encouraged me to focus on what I can do—and that mindset has made all the difference.”

Now enrolled at Georgia Military College’s Augusta campus, Jesse is majoring in political science. “I’ve always been interested in government,” he says. “I like watching political stuff on TV because I enjoy seeing how things work.” He plans to graduate in 2027 and is still figuring out where his path will lead. “That’s something I’ve got to figure out,” he says, “but I know I’ll get there.”

Jesse’s success has also been made possible by the Arete scholarship, which helped cover his tuition and opened the door for him to attend SOAR. “It helped me pay for tuition,” he says. “That support, combined with the dedication of my teachers, made all the difference.”

Looking back, Jesse knows how much SOAR shaped his journey. “If I went somewhere else, I probably would’ve been left on the outside,” he admits. “SOAR really helped me. They showed me what college is like, gave me an overview of what it does, and they were right. They got me where I need to be.”

Every milestone Jesse reaches, every class he finishes, every step he takes toward his degree, is a reflection of what happens when a community believes in potential. SOAR Academy gave him the foundation, Arete Scholars gave him the opportunity, and Jesse gave his best effort every day.

His story is one of perseverance and purpose. It’s about more than academics or college acceptance—it’s about confidence, growth, and the realization that dreams are within reach when the right people come alongside you.