This is Jikhalil’s Story

I want to introduce you to a very special and wonderful young man, Jikhalil. I am his advocate, former teacher, and coach – Megan Waterbury.

Jikhalil’s Journey

Life has not been easy for this smart motivated young man who comes from the inner city of Boston and who knows what poverty and no food on the table means.

Jikhalil was born and raised in an impoverished and crime-ridden area known as the Roxbury/Dorchester section of Boston. Jikhalil has moved more times than he can count and lived in more shelters than he can remember. For the majority of last year he was homeless. Frequently he was hungry and didn’t know when or if he would eat. Yet his motivation to succeed under these circumstances was undeterred.

Jikhalil has had significant learning disabilities.  In fact, just a little over a year ago Jikhalil was reading at a 1st grade level. He knew he had to learn to read if he wanted to go to college and change not only his life, but that of his mother and younger brother’s as well.

 Undaunted,  Jikhalil endured a two and half hour round trip commute on both bus and subway in the summer heat to get to specialized tutoring to improve his reading ability. He continued his specialized tutoring for two hours during and after school everyday throughout his senior year to improve his reading ability so he would have the chance to attend college.  Through his hard work and persistence, Jikhalil has improved his reading ability tremendously and graduated from high school in June 2015.  This was a very proud moment but only the first step in Jikhalil's goal of not only attending, but also graduating from college.

Jikhalil’s College Dream

Luckily, Jikhalil found New England College. The college interviewed Jikhalil and was blown away by him. The school sees his potential and they understand his academic struggles. The college has the ability and services to help Jikhalil be successful. 

With humility and a thankful heart, Jikhalil would love some help from friends, family, community members and anyone with an open heart to help lessen the financial burden of college. Jikhalil received an opportunity scholarship, along with the maximum amount for loans and financial aid, but unfortunately this doesn't cover the full amount of his tuition and board.

Expenses:
Remaining Tuition and Housing       $6,000
Special Services for Academics        $2,000
Books for both Semesters                  $1,000
Misc.                                                               $1,000
Misc.: travel expense, dorm supplies, clothes, and emergency fund

All money goes directly to Jikhalil and college expenses listed above.  If there is extra money we will apply it to his loans or next year’s expenses.

NPR in 2013 did a story about Boston Public Schools Sports and Boston Scholar Athletes that featured Jikhalil. You can read the story or listen to the broadcast from the link on the page.
http://www.wbur.org/2013/05/16/boston-school-sports-funding-iv

Jikhalil has many people for whom he is grateful. Some of them are:

·      His Mom who has encouraged him despite the odds

·      Marsha Stevens whose tireless pro bono work allowed him to receive tutoring and whose belief in Jikhalil never wavered

·      The New Mission School Faculty and Basketball Coaches, for creating an accepting and welcoming place for him to succeed and their belief that he could soar given the chance

·      Mary Bogan and Youth Villages for working with him and going above and beyond what they needed to.

Both Jikhalil and I would like to personal thank anyone who gives, even the smallest amount means a lot. Please also share with family and friends.

Jikhalil is #45 in the middle