TJ Harris Class of '25 Road to Graduation

Hi my village!

To know me is to know that I eat, sleep and breathe ALL things concerning both of my sons TJ & Jaiden. Many of you often reach out and congratulate me on the great mother I am and have always been. Maybe because I lost mine so early in life or maybe because all I ever wanted was for someone to believe in me I am relentless about my boys and their overall success in life. Black boys deserve to know their importance and influence in this world as Black Men is invaluable and Black Men deserve to grow old! I'm raising men whose success is going to be good for the culture!

Background:

Post pandemic and relocating from the Bay Area back to Atlanta after making the most difficult decision of my adult life to divorce after a 23 year run, unfortunately, I am still recovering. I left domestic violence, emotional and financial abuse and overall settling for a life that God did not intend for me to have or expose my children to. I left to find peace and provide something to my sons I never had. I'm not complaining by any stretch of the imagination because up until this point, baby God has sustained us! For 4 years God, the village and I have been holding it down for these boys! With the current state of the economy, job market and sporadic to no support from anywhere else, God & I have been able to successfully provide for our daily needs AND provide the BEST education in the entire state of Georgia to both TJ & Jaiden. We are extremely blessed.

If my separation and divorce in 2019 and 2020 were not humbling enough, 2023 humbled me yet again when I lost all 3 of my jobs within months of each other. I am in what many belivers call my Job season. God is obviously allowing me to be tested to see if my faith will waiver and chile, good luck with that! I know where my help comes from. In Psalms it says the cattle on a thousand hills belongs to Him. James 4:2 in His word also says I have not because I ask not. So here I am today, ASKING. For help.

Turning Point:

I have made adjustment after adjustment since being laid off at the beginning of 2023 to recalibrate our lives to the income I am currently receiving. Including removing Jaiden from the school in oder to focus solely on getting TJ through. To no avail. But thank God I don't look like what I am going through. TJ has always been very academically inclined but as he has watched me struggle he has locked in and been extremely dedicated to persevere beyond the barriers in front of him to reach his highest potential. He understood the gravity of being admitted into Woodward Academy and has NOT squandered one opportunity afforded to him during his entire high school career. He has stopped at nothing to ensure he has a very decorated academic resume. He is a member of the Thespian Honor Society, National Honor Society, a "lettered" 3 year track vet, a board member of the Black Student Union, and with a course load of ONLY Honors and AP classes he maintains a 4.38 G.P.A. Needless to say he makes me THEE proudest single mother! I do not regret one decision I've made that brought us to where we are today. These boys are being raised in a LOVING home and we have peace.

The Vision:

As we embark upon the final year of his high school career we are asking for your financial support to get us across his graduation finish line. While he and I are aware this is an extreme privilege for him to attend Woodward Academy I am unwilling not to advocate for his completion at the school he has fully committed himself to just because life is lifing. Senior year at public high schools are insane so I am sure you can imagine the immense pressure I am under and my fears. TJ is 100% my mirror child and as I tell him: "Do it scared because we don't settle for safe!" Here I am; practicing what I preach!

TJ has done EVERYTHING I have advised him to do in terms of his academic career. While this is an extremely difficult ask because of my pride and ego, as well as childhood trauma from not being able to ask for help growing up I am still sending this. TJ deserves for me to put my pride in my pocket and allow those who want to see he and I win show up for us. "Life is simply lifing" for us during this season but "God be Goding" too and I know trouble don't last always. I am continuing to do all I can to get back into the job market but in the meantime here we are.

Campaign Goal:

Reenrollment is upon us and fees are coming in with not one clue on how to make it happen. I am reaching out to raise $30,000 to cover the costs of his education. This includes, Reenrollment, Tuition, Uniforms, Prom, Pictures, Senior Trip, College Tours, SAT, ACT, and everything in between that I have been bearing the financial weight alone on since we moved. I understand this ask is radical but I serve a radical God and I believe in him. Reenrollment fees are $3500 and due by March 15. Because of my villages generosity in one day, I will meet that goal now. God has proven himself already to me in just one day! Don't be alarmed by the amount as I will run this campaign all year and trust God to get the tuition paid every month until I am able to take over the payments again myself. Feel free to check back and give as many times as you like. These words seem so grossly inadequate for how I truly feel but thank you in advance.

Why Woodward Academy:

Woodward Academy is an independent, co-educational K-12 college preparatory school. Woodward is Atlanta at its very best. It intentionally brings students together from diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences creating a richer learning community and exceptional academic opportunities. Woodward students and graduates are caring and compassionate global citizens who are a microcosm of what the world should be. TJ's graduation from Woodward Academy is the ultimate success story for single mothers and dedicated students across the globe.

How You Can Help:

Your support is invaluable. By contributing to this campaign, you're not just helping with expenses; you're playing a crucial role in TJ's journey towards becoming the change we want to see in this world. every donation, big or small makes a significant impact. I knew I couldn't afford this tuition alone when I submitted the application back in 2019. I thought both of TJ's parents would support this initiative together BUT GOD did said in 2019 IF TJ got into Woodward (before we left California) HE would get him through. So I am reminding God through my actions and giving God back his words by sending this campaign out because he is not a man that he should lie.

Closing:

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Your love, prayers, support and laughs on social media mean the world to me. Let's make this educational journey a reality together. Your support is a beacon of hope, and I'm immensely grateful for each of you.

***To protect the impact of how TJ's high school story will be told during graduation, While I am not "ashamed" to ask for your help I kindly ask that you please NOT SHARE this fundraiser on social media at this time***

With a Mother's Love

Timesha