Journey from Teen to Scholar Through Heights Philadelphia

By Jestina Drysdale 

Every journey to higher education is different – for Jestina Drysdale, the road was bumpy but her course was steadfast, in part due to her time as a teenager with Philadelphia Futures (now Heights Philadelphia). 

Let me take you on a journey, recounting my experience as a young teenager growing up in Southwest Philadelphia as a first-generation Jamaican American to immigrant parents from Kingston, Jamaica.

Navigating through life, the only beacon of hope for me was the opportunity to attend college, a dream that seemed both distant and vital for a way out. Before we begin this journey, it all began with my mother, who arrived in the United States from Jamaica at 16. She settled in the Bronx, New York, where I was born, with no jacket or gloves during the winter; she initially envisioned New York as a place with golden floors, only to discover the stark reality. While New York has its share of remarkable places, what she encountered differed from what she had envisioned. Despite the challenges, she aspired to build a better life and worked tirelessly. I am eternally grateful for her determination and the opportunities I have been fortunate to receive.

When I was young, my family relocated to Philadelphia to be closer to relatives. However, adjusting to an environment where the sporadic sound of gunshots and various disparities were deemed normal posed a considerable challenge for me. Regrettably, some of my friends went to jail or didn't live to see their 18th birthday, falling victim to the tragic consequences of gun violence.

I lost a friend I had just spoken to at a nearby store. We shared laughs and teased each other, and I told him I would see him later. However, a few hours later, he became involved in a fight that tragically resulted in his life being taken due to gun violence. That moment was a stark reminder of life's preciousness and the uncertainty of tomorrow. This is one of the many moments that remind me to live each day to the fullest, cherishing every moment and not taking anything for granted. Despite numerous challenges and obstacles in my environment, my mother exerted every effort to ensure I did not veer down the wrong path. She consistently motivated me to excel academically, emphasizing that education provides more significant opportunities. I was determined not to become a product of my environment and didn't want to feel like a burden on my family. Instead, I sought ways to contribute and assist in any way possible.

Then, a life-changing opportunity presented itself during high school through an organization called Philadelphia Futures, now known as Heights Philadelphia. This opportunity significantly altered the trajectory of my life. Heights Philadelphia works with students in low-income areas to offer a comprehensive range of services, encompassing not just programming such as one-on-one advising, academic enrichment, internship opportunities and financial support but also guidance along the path to success throughout their journey.

I can affirm the invaluable support I received from Heights Philadelphia. The organization provided me with numerous opportunities, including college prep programs, campus tours, summer enrichment experiences, conferences, scholarships, mentorship and more. Heights Philadelphia allowed me to attend Temple University on weekends and other universities during the summers, strengthening my academic performance and providing opportunities to avoid the pitfalls of my environment.

One valuable lesson I gleaned from these opportunities is the importance of making the most of them, even when it may seem like a lot of work at the time. Trust me, the effort will pay off in the long run. These elements played a crucial role in shaping my educational journey. Additionally, Heights Philadelphia opened doors for me and empowered my mother with the knowledge and understanding of the college process, enabling her to support me effectively.

Throughout my journey, there were times when my friends might not have fully grasped my drive, but I knew I wanted more for myself and my family. I faced criticism and name-calling for aspiring to go to college. Nonetheless, over time, I realized that I needed to let go of some friends to stay focused on my path, and I've come to understand that it's perfectly okay. A piece of advice I cherish is to surround yourself with individuals who genuinely have your best interests at heart. My grandmother once shared this wisdom with me: If you surround yourself with fools, unknowingly, you will become one over time. If you allow it, your surroundings can influence even individuals with strong morals and values. I recognize the importance of staying authentic to yourself and not letting anyone diminish your light or giving anyone that much power to bring the unhealed version of yourself. At that moment, I realized I must stay focused and not allow doubt or fear to stop me.

Sometimes, when we express our ideas and aspirations, we encounter individuals throughout life with limited perspectives who may cast doubt on our capabilities. However, having support from Heights Philadelphia allowed me to discover strengths I wasn't aware of and encouraged me to break free from conventional thinking, urging me to dream big! That is why I am sincerely grateful for the support from Heights Philadelphia, my mother, and my mentors. Through their support, I became valedictorian of my high school and secured scholarships that enabled me to attend college without the burden of tuition. Furthermore, I earned my master's degree tuition-free through a graduate assistantship at Bloomsburg University, marking the beginning of my career in higher education.

During my career, I have consistently stayed grounded, always mindful of my roots. I initiated mentoring sessions with students and actively shared my journey as an alumnus from Heights, Philadelphia, through various panels and presentations. I am committed to giving back to this incredible organization and inspiring the youth, showing them that they do not have to navigate this journey alone. Finally, I am grateful to be pursuing my doctoral degree at Stockton University in the Organizational Leadership program. I am the first in my family to achieve this significant milestone. I am a Black woman raised in Southwest Philadelphia, facing numerous challenges but maintaining resilience throughout my journey.

Reflecting on my journey, if I could speak to the little girl who never imagined becoming the woman she is today, I would advise her to stay the course. I would emphasize the importance of not letting distractions steal time away from her path, reassuring her that it's okay not to be perfect and that mistakes will be made along the way. Everyone makes mistakes in life, but learning from them and taking ownership is crucial for growth. Those mistakes are necessary for there to be a story to share and have the potential to help others. I would tell her that the challenges will shape her character and give her the resilience to navigate whatever life throws her way. I would encourage her to hold onto her faith and believe that her current situation is not the conclusion of her story.

Lastly, I would emphasize the belief that her story is still being written, with chapters yet to unfold. Thank you for being on this remarkable journey with me.

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