PLUS ME Spotlight: Timiko Madison

My life started off challenging just based on being born and raised in the Jordan Downs Housing Projects where it was on a regular basis you would see, hear, or experience violence, bullying, drug usage, neglect, mental illness, poverty, teenage pregnancy and overall instability. My mother was a single parent of six, on welfare. There were more negative than positive influences in the neighborhood I grew up in.

By the time I reached middle school, I was fully aware of most of the challenges I faced. It can be extremely difficult to be in a negative environment and keep encouragement within you. However, I was always positive and looking for motivation. I would look at my neighbor and say to myself, “This will not be my story. My life will not end like this–I want and need better.”

In the meantime- transition from middle school to high school was not motivational. In fact, the dropout rate was higher than the graduation rate. I remember being so eager to get an education, I tried to attend schools outside of my addressed area. I still ended up going to Jordan High School, which was located directly inside the projects–where all you had to do is hop a wall and you’re home. I could not believe the instability that existed on campus because of the rebellious students and lack of parent teacher communications. I remember one day coming home from school so discouraged and angry, crying out to my momma about the class being loud and unruly, stating that those of us who are interested in learning can't because of the constant disruptions in class.

At the age of sixteen I became pregnant with my son and dropped out of school.  Sadly, this made me understand why the community was statically viewed as it was. The resources and motivation were too limited for the issues surrounding the community which made it next to impossible for the boys and girls in the area not to be affected by gangs, drugs, violence, and teenage pregnancy. The positive side of me embraced my pregnancy and told myself that I will go back to school one day and make up for the time lost. My son and I grew up together as a team and are truly bonded by love. We’ve always been each other’s number one fan. The things that we have experienced together taught us how to encourage ourselves as individuals and as a team for others; to be grateful and to think positive.

Life was happening from the time I dropped out until I decided to go back to school. My son’s father was shot 9 times, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down, and he ended up passing away some years later. Prior to his death, I had experienced the trauma of sexual assault. Both events took place on the same day, but in different years. While still in the process of healing from the assault, I decided to enroll in Los Angeles Harbor College to continue my education. 

It was the Fall Semester ‘09, and just a couple of months before the ‘anniversary date’ of the assault (October 21st). I was nervous and uncertain, but excited to be picking up the pieces and starting new. On the morning of October 21, while on campus during my P.E. class, I received the phone call that my son’s father had passed away. I immediately realized the date and it felt as if I was hit with a ton of bricks. I felt like dropping out again. Deep down inside, I didn’t want to give into that thought. The resources and motivation on campus surrounding me made all of the difference. Providing outlets such as academic advisory and counseling encouraged and helped me to stay the course. My GPA dropped to a 1.9 putting me on academic probation. Not giving up is how I was able to regain strength and build my stride, which led me to becoming an honor roll student. As an honor roll student I was one of 500 African American Students chosen from amongst thousands to be selected for what was the Annual Celebration of Black Academic Achievement ceremony. I was overjoyed with excitement and shocked about the opportunity–being the first in my family to celebrate such an honor and maintaining a 3.5 and 4.0 GPA by the time I graduated.

Since then, I have worked successfully in my career as an Administrative professional. This was something I couldn’t have ever predicted- especially based on the history of my background. But, look at me now: a testament of what could happen if you don’t give up. Adulthood doesn’t come with instructions. I changed my mind and that’s what changed my life. My mindset changed my life; mindset is everything. As we think of ourselves in the heart and mind, is exactly what we will be. Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Be encouraged even when everything around you seems as if there’s no way to make it. Do not give up!

I’m an example of a way being made out of no way.