Author Archives: realest2020

My name is Darese Jaleel Sparkman. I was born in Canton, Ohio, and split my childhood between Soquel, California, and Massillon, Ohio. I am the third child of two wonderful parents, who had me when they were just twenty-three. Despite having no external support, they raised my brother, sister, and me with all the loveContinue reading “Darese Sparkman”

My name is Aleah Jackson. I am from Georgia, East Atlanta/ Decatur to be exact. I graduated high school in 2016 and attended the University of Georgia (UGA) and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2020. After graduating from UGA I took a gap year to take additional prerequisite courses and apply toContinue reading “Aleah Jackson”

My name is Cheveyo Dozier, and I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where basketball has always been a huge part of my life. From a young age, I would spend countless hours shooting hoops in my neighborhood, dreaming of playing at a higher level. My passion for the game was greatly influenced by my middleContinue reading “Chevyo Dozier”

My name is Amani Dickerson, and I hail from Bowling Green, Ohio. I am thrilled and honored to be selected as a REAL Student of the Month, recognized for my academic achievements and leadership qualities. I graduated from Maumee Valley Country Day School with a 3.5 GPA. Throughout my high school years, several influential figuresContinue reading “Amani Dickerson”

I come from a low income inner city community in Toledo, Ohio. I never thought college, let alone, graduate school could be an option for me. My mother put me in rooms with people who’d eventually would help get me to where I am today as a 3rd year graduate student. I’m a 3rd yearContinue reading “Keathun Cunningham”

I’m from Cleveland, Ohio, and my journey through high school has been significantly influenced by my freshman year math teacher, Mr. Dickerson. He has been a constant source of guidance and support, helping me navigate the challenges of high school. I’m also a member of the Student First Ring Leadership Program at Cleveland State UniversityContinue reading “Braylen Womack”

I am Tariq Melvin Francis from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The most influential and intricate parts of my life are my family and God! My parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins, and everyone who has been a part of my journey to this point and beyond, I am truly grateful for. I have been blessed to have soContinue reading “Tariq Francis”

My name is Ammaarah Williams. I was born on August 5th, 1999 in Cleveland, Ohio. I attended North Carolina Central University (NCCU) where I pursued both my athletic and academic career. I received my Bachelors’ degree in Business Administration with a concentration in management from NCCU in 2021. Also, I was blessed to receive 2Continue reading “Ammaarah Williams”

Jermel Wilkerson Jr. is a 16 year old resident of Twinsburg,OH. The youngest and the tallest of six, beloved by his siblings. They share the responsibility of encouraging him to be the best version of himself, and consequently, he is known for being kind, well-rounded, and laid back.  In middle school, Jermel recalls his History,Continue reading “Jermel Wilkerson Jr.”