Zayda Strother is a junior at Taylor University, majoring in Elementary Education. She always knew she wanted to work with kids but initially wanted to do so through nursing. It wasn’t until she arrived at college that she realized education was the way to go. When she first arrived on campus, she was undecided but decided to take an education class just to see what it would be like and ended up falling in love with it.   

Zayda has always had a heart to help the youth, especially on the South Side of Chicago, where she grew up. She noticed that within the education system, many students' experiences lacked that “relationship piece” and that is something that she wants to bring back once she begins her career as an educator. Zayda plans to become a teacher and then advance to being a principal on the South Side of Chicago so she can help make an even more significant impact on the youth in the city that she cares for so deeply. 

The education system is lacking in certain areas and that is leading to young people not wanting to be in school as much anymore. “When people don’t want to learn, it's hard to teach anybody anything,” said Strother. And she knows from experience because her relationship with her fourth-grade teacher, Mrs.Delilah Brooks, directly influences why she wants to become a teacher today. “ One of my goals is to help reshape [student's feelings toward school] through relationships even if school is not their thing. If they have someone who has expectations for them, then they might want to come to school, then they kind of learn without realizing they are getting better at it day by day,” said Strother.

Relationships have played a huge role in Zayda’s life. Because of relationships, Zayda even began pursuing a career in education. While on her pursuit she is continuously supported by her loved ones and friends. She appreciates the time they take out of their schedules to give her a call and check-in. Those gestures go a long way for her.

Also, relationships helped Zayda get involved with Pursue Scholars. She heard about the program through family and friends, so when it became her turn to begin applying for colleges, she knew that Pursue was a good option, and it aligned perfectly with the aspects of her life that she felt were the most important. She values the relationships she has formed over the last couple of years, with both staff and scholars, and notes Megan Familara from Pursue had a huge impact on her life. In her own words, she says, “What sets Pursue apart is the relationship part. People genuinely care and try to check-in to see what you need. It comes down to the specifics; they provide us with a lot but they still give us choices of what we want.” 

Zayda describes Pursue as “a program that helps better students [by helping them] become what they want to be. They help you meet your goals, it’s very relationship based, and morally it is support for people who want to do leadership.” Zayda plans to give back to her community in many ways, starting by being the change in one school and then continuing to help and support more and more students as her career progresses.

Every flower needs a bit of sunlight and water to grow. Similarly, every leader needs to be poured into and nurtured to be what God has destined them to be. It isn’t breaking news that the overarching narrative surrounding Chicago’s youth is negative. Our Scholars and Alum is challenging that narrative through leadership and reinvestment. This is why support like yours is needed. By donating to Pursue Scholars, you will actively empower young Chicago leaders to shine through the noise of that negative narrative and help them embark on a journey that will truly lead to change.