Tamia Clay’s star continues to rise. I first told you about Tamia back in April when she joined a team of others testifying before the Senate Appropriations Sub-Committee on Talent & Economic Development about the life-changing impact that the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates has on Michigan communities like her own hometown of Benton Harbor.
She had essentially been told she wouldn’t amount to much. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for a Benton Harbor High School Senior who had become the Michigan Engineering Student of the Year. In April she appeared before a Michigan State Senate Committee to advocate for the program that literally changed her life — the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program — or simply JMG.
She went on to become the Michigan Works Student Leader of the Year Award winner for 2019 and she’s back in the spotlight now thanks to her work with Andrews University in Berrien Springs.
Tamia Clay is an 18-year-old senior at Benton Harbor High School, who grew up in a large family in Benton Harbor, a city often targeted for high crime rates, socioeconomic challenges, and low educational outcomes. Tamia says she was always an intelligent child and her family had expectations that she would succeed academically. She started Kindergarten at age 5 in the Benton Harbor Area Schools (BHAS) and, apart from Grades 6–8 spent in Iowa, is a proud product of the school district.
In 2017, Andrews University signed a partnership agreement with the BHAS. As part of that agreement the University offered scholarships to Benton Harbor high school students to participate in an Andrews University program that allowed above-average students the opportunity to gain university credits in a summer intensive on the Andrews campus. Tamia first came to learn about the Early College Experience through her high school counselor and was immediately attracted to the program because of the college credits and the food.
That summer she enrolled in Communication Skills, where students were introduced to the dynamics of effective communication. Each student was required to prepare and present three different types of speeches. Students needed to research topics and cite their sources, then create engaging presentations with a logical flow of ideas that kept the attention of their peers. Of that experience Tamia says, “The other participants were very supportive and accepting. It was a nice, warm environment. I built confidence in public speaking and had so much fun with them. They were really welcoming.”
Aaron Moushon, Early College Experience director, says, “It was a joy to have an opportunity to work with Tamia during the summer Early College Experience. She was one of only two high school sophomores to participate that summer and she showed great maturity and resolve throughout the program. Tamia was an active participant both in and out of the classroom and took full advantage of this unique college experience for high school students. We are proud to have had her spend a summer with us at Andrews University.”
Tamia gained her first university credits in that program. The experience profoundly impacted her life’s trajectory and she now intends to pursue a degree in communication. She also wants to be able to travel and hopes to earn her degree outside of the United States.
However, that was not Tamia’s only link to Andrews University. In 2017 and 2018, she participated in the Andrews University Career Fairs for high school juniors and seniors. In 2018, the Andrews University Department of Nursing started a high school nursing mentoring program. Again, Tamia’s high school counselor told her about the program, but this time she went further and put her name on the list. Tamia went to the first session and kept going because she found it was interesting. Tamia says, “I didn’t want to take the class because I am afraid of blood, but I enjoyed it. I learned how to handle difficult situations such as an emergency.”
Over the two semesters, Andrews University’s nursing students under the supervision of faculty Shawna Henry and Khonnah Weithers, and department chair Jochebed Ade-Oshifogun, taught the high school seniors and juniors Hands Only CPR, medical terminology, first aid, and gave presentations on other health-related topics. Tamia believes that the fact they were able to work with nursing students around their age helped make the program more relatable.
This year, Tamia won the Michigan Works Student Leader of the Year Award, wherein the winner is selected based on the evaluation of essays submitted to the organization on how students said they were making a difference in their communities. Tamia is confident that her efforts to build her community as well as her great communication skills helped her win the award. Tamia is now the vice-president of the Jobs for Michigan Graduates at Benton Harbor High School.
Of the award Tamia says, “The Award means a lot. I live in a community that is really struggling. Students here often feel that they will never amount to anything. The Student Leader of the Year Award is turning the labels they have been given and helping others see that they can achieve. The Award is not only important to me but to my friends, the students of the district, the schools, and the wider community.”
Tamia has been accepted into a number of universities. However, she is exploring options that best meet with her financial resources. “I dream to be a high-level public speaker, a community developer because I want to expand and grow the Benton Harbor community. And make it a better place.”
Of her experience with the Andrew University programs Tamia says, “These programs taught me how to build resilience and how to achieve—even when things don’t go my way. The programs really got me out of my comfort zone and inspired me to pursue my dreams. They taught me I could conquer anything as long I put my best foot forward.”
When asked what she would tell other students about these Andrews University programs she said, “I would tell kids to definitely get into these programs. Even if they are not planning on going into nursing or going to a Christian campus, they can definitely get involved because I was like that. I did not like blood. I pushed myself and these programs helped me to find my career. I have learned I love talking and interacting…”
Andrews University continues to develop other programs to support the students of the BHAS.
In the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market, Tamia Clay participates in an Andrews University community engagement program. Photo credit goes to Carlisle Sutton, Director, Community Engagement Integration & Service at Andrews University.
