West Stark News

"Mount Union was a special place!" said Tamiko Hatcher '98, Director of Specialty Programs at Akron Public Schools, "Growing up, there were great expectations placed upon me by the Alliance community." Facing the fear of failure, Tamiko felt that Mount Union was the perfect example of the professional world, making him feel like he belonged, and could excel at the "College on the Hill."

Tamiko's biggest inspiration, his mother, took a job at the University to give Tamiko the opportunity to excel in the trajectory that the community saw him on. "She navigated the drug epidemics (speed, cocaine, crack, and marijuana) so that I remained insulated from many of the negative effects that were plaguing our communities. She cleaned toilets so that I’d never have to."

"Unfortunately, many of the same barriers are still in place that I experienced when I was walking the halls of Mount Union. Life is a process consisting of countless roadblocks and detours. The secret is…the only bad decision is one that doesn’t give you the outcome that you desire. Be relentless in your pursuit and keep chasing your desired outcome."

"Once we embrace the struggle then we take action to push forward," said Tamiko, as he reflects on the belief that struggle for most minorities is still prevalent. "The importance of recognizing adversity is a struggle and will serve as a lifelong reminder that we are making progress and need to take action."

"Black History Month is a time to pause. A time to reflect on the shoulders who stood before us so that we could dream. It is also a time to place a marker on how far we’ve come and a time to recommit to the journey ahead."

Tamiko encourages students today to embrace the opportunity to learn from each other. Be the change to the narrative and find comfort in uncomfortable situations.

Thank you, Tamiko, for continuing to pave the way and inspire the next generation on this #TrailblazerThursday!

Original source can be found here.