• 2011 Richard K. Lashof High Hopes Scholarship recipient
• San Francisco State University

I started having trouble after graduating from eight grade when I learned of my parent’s drug addiction. After becoming aware of this addiction, I grew less interested in school, which resulted in me losing the first semester of ninth grade. I resigned from my job at the Boys & Girls Club and left home. I moved in with my sister in Fairfield, California and attended a local high school, but I had difficulty adjusting and barely passed. I decided it was time to move back home. That summer, I had a big awakening after looking at my grades. I wanted to steer life in a more positive direction. I even forced myself to temporarily accept my parents’ addiction so I could have a place to live and go to school. The next year I started Berkley High and began to be involved in a number of activities. After realizing that I could achieve, I decided to apply for a highly competitive five-week medical program at Stanford. The program contributed to my goal of wanting a better education and fulfilling the hopes of becoming a doctor. I know college will be intense and will take a lot of dedication but I owe it to myself for what I have gone through and to show teens dealing with the same issues to continue to learn. I know the fight will never be over but I will be one step closer to achieving what I seek.

“Tonisha’s most striking personality characteristic would have to be her determination. Tonisha turned out to be that one student who has been able to truly turn things around for her.”

Teacher, Berkeley High School