AGAINST ALL ODDS: RASHEED MILES

One of the Many Reasons to Support the UNCF Birmingham MASKED Ball on March 8, 2014

It’s no secret that the quest for higher education is an uphill battle. With budget deficits, rising tuition rates and a slowly maturing economy amongst key disadvantages affecting America’s next generation of leaders, it’s more imperative than ever that organizations with the power to help college students succeed have the resources they need to sustain — and even more vital that scholars with low to moderate-level incomes cloak themselves in strength to withstand challenging times.

That’s where this story begins. Meet UNCF Scholarship Recipient, Rasheed Miles.

Rasheed, a 21-year-old Business Administration and Accounting Student of Miles College, is the first generational male in his family to attend college and pass his freshman year. His story, like that of many UNCF students, inspires many of us to continue to support UNCF’s mission.

WHAT KIND OF TRIUMPHS AND CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED IN LIFE PRIOR TO COLLEGE?

Born August 31, 1992 in Hainesville, AL, I experienced tragedy at a pretty young age. My mother – after unexpected complications from pain medications she was taking for a minor toothache – passed away when I was 5 years old. It was just minutes before my 6th birthday. My aunt raised me and my two-year-old brother after that.

I was young and questioned my mom’s death a lot growing up. But in the end, I resolved that God must have taken her from my life with plans to deliver something even more valuable in my future. I pressed forward with that on my mind.

I graduated from High School on May 22, 2010 with honors (achieving a 3.2 GPA and ranking #13 in my senior class). I was also able to score three academic and community service-based scholarships. I used those to enroll into Troy University the next semester.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE. WHERE THERE ANY ISSUES THAT JEAOPARDIZED YOUR EDUCATIONAL DREAMS?
 
I enjoyed my freshman experience at Troy. I encountered the typical challenges, like saying “no” to peers and balancing friendships and personal life with my educational and professional goals.

I did experience academic challenges. Midway into my experience issues with grades landed me on academic probation. My most substantial financial scholarship was revoked as a result. Low on funds, I picked up a part-time job with [a local soda company]. One night while working, I got caught in the midst of a really dangerous shoot-out. That brush with death kind of changed my life. It gave me a chance to reevaluate where my future was headed in Troy. I realized I wasn’t satisfied with my current situation, and enrolled into Miles College the following semester.

HOW WERE YOU INTRODUCED TO UNCF?

During my first semester at Miles, my advisor – Ms. Mitchell — made the connection that I was the first generational male to attend college that had succeeded past my freshman year. That made me eligible for a $5,000 financial reward, which is just what I needed to get back on my feet in school. So I applied.

HOW HAS THE UNCF SCHOLARSHIP IMPACTED YOU LIFE?

UNCF granted me a second chance at life, and if I can do it, anyone can.

Simply put, I’m the meal ticket for my family. I’m trying to move my family above and beyond where they stand right now. After not succeeding at Troy, the scholarship I received gave me a chance to achieve my dreams. None of my cousins have surpassed high school. Thanks to this organization, I’m on the road to being one of the first of my family to succeed in college, to achieve all of the goals my family set in store for me.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOUR DEGREE AFTER YOU GRADUATE?

I’d like to go to graduate school and get a Masters in Accountancy or Business Administration or Finance. Eventually I’d like to earn my CPA, then move on to a Doctorate in Business Administration or Accountancy.

Ultimately I want to become an Actuary Accountant.

The UNCF Birmingham Masked Ball will take place on March 8, 2014 at the Birmingham Sheraton Hotel Ballroom.

UNCF leadership has set a 2014 event fundraising goal of $600,000. Proceeds will allow UNCF to extend thousands of dollars in support of Alabama students like Rasheed Miles, helping them to pursue a college education. More than 1,000 supporters were in attendance at the 2013 event.

For sponsorship or individual ticket inquiries, please contact the UNCF Birmingham office at 205-322-8623 or email walvid.king@uncf.org. You can also visit online at give.uncf.org/Birmingham. Ticket purchases are tax-deductible.