An image of Domminiece Willis standing at the 2018 WAWS Award Ceremony.
“Words Alive is a home away from home to me. My experience with Words Alive has affected me in so many positive ways. I have transitioned more gracefully into adulthood and have found myself stepping more outside my comfort zone and experiences new things.”
The Words Alive Westreich Scholarship Program awards scholarships to participants in the Words Alive Adolescent Book Group to support them in their pursuit of higher education at the college or vocational level. Unlike other scholarship programs, which typically fund only tuition, books and educational supplies, each recipient is eligible to receive funds to cover the cost of rent, food, childcare, clothing, travel and other living expenses. Additionally, the program matches each recipient with a mentor. Student and mentor meet regularly throughout the school year, and the mentors provide guidance, direction, and often, a shoulder to lean on.
Let’s hear more from Domminiece!
Name: Domminiece Willis
Age: 27
College: San Diego State University
Degree (with area of study): Child Development
High School: Monarch School
Mentor: Karen Ladner
How did you first get involved with Words Alive?
I first got involved with Words Alive through the book club when I was going to Monarch school back when it was at the Little Italy campus.
How has your experience with Words Alive affected you?
Words Alive became more than just a scholarship to me. It became therapy, a resource center, a study hall, an adventure, a place where I know that everyone has my best interest at heart and will go above and beyond to make sure my every need was met. Words Alive is a home away from home to me. My experience with Words Alive has affected me in so many positive ways. I have transitioned more gracefully into adulthood and have found myself stepping more outside my comfort zone and experiences new things.
What have you accomplished this year that you are most proud of?
I would have to say that this year I am most proud of finishing up the Spring Semester at State with A’s and B’s. It was difficult, but I told myself that I did not want anything lower than a B and I made it happen. Shooting for all A’s in the Fall!
Tell us about your favorite college memory.
My favorite college memory I would have to say was my orientation day at SDSU. I remember sitting in the Child and Family Development section and just thinking “Wow, I really did it. I’m here”.
What are you currently reading?
Girls Like Me - by Lola Stvil.