As we continue our alumni series, “Where Are They Now,” travel in time with us as we follow our graduates on their journeys and discover how An Achievable Dream made a positive impact on their lives. Also featured in this series are each graduating class’s sponsor to share their inspiration for supporting their class and a reflection from AAD president and CEO, Dr. Lee Vreeland, on each alumni. In this feature, we are highlighting class of 2004 graduate, Teresa Boyd.
Tell us where you are, what you’re doing now, and the accomplishment or life milestones you’re most proud of!
First, I want to say that it’s an absolute pleasure and honor to be a part of the AAD class feature. I am still located in Hampton, Virginia. I am a Senior Account Executive at Portfolio Recovery Associates. It is very difficult to pinpoint which accomplishments or milestones I’m most proud of since all of them are dear and special to me because of what I had to endure to get there. However, I can say that I beat the odds of having a brain tumor in elementary school and became the first in my family to graduate from high school and college.
What about An Achievable Dream do you feel most prepared you for the career and life you have now?
Absolutely everything from the Dream family prepared me for my life now. AAD was and still is my family because I’ve spent most of my time with you all. I was surrounded by my fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles. AAD taught me everything from discipline, respect, saying the banners every day, etiquette classes, and daily uniform inspections. These things play a major role in my life today.
What is next for you?
To me, I am blessed to here. I take it one day at a time and treat every day like my last. However while I’m here I am constantly instilling a love of learning into my great nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Continue reading to hear a reflection from An Achievable Dream President and CEO, Dr. Lee Vreeland, on the meaning and impact of the Chesapeake Bay Seafood House Restaurants, in honor of Alan and Beverly Diamonstein’s sponsorship of the Class of 2004.
I can still remember how honored Alan and Beverly Diamonstein were when it was announced that the partners of Chesapeake Bay Seafood House were sponsoring a $1 million endowed scholarship in their honor. No one believed in the power of education more than Alan Diamonstein. In fact, he spent much of his political career advocating for equity in education both at the K-12 and collegiate levels. Alan was right by Walter’s side when he started An Achievable Dream and his dedication and passion for the Dream never wavered. I know Alan is so proud of the Class of 2004. In fact, I can see the grin on his face now. He would ask many questions about them, slowly shake his head in approval, and a slow, big grin would come across his face.
Thank you to the partners of Chesapeake Bay Seafood House, N.C. Hardee, William Easby-Smith, Robert Easby-Smith, and Paul Truskey for paying tribute to Alan and Beverly in such a special way. Your support of our Dreamers will impact generations to come.
– Lee Vreeland, Ed.D., President/CEO, An Achievable Dream
The class of 2004 class sponsors in honor of Alan and Beverly Diamonstein shared their inspiration for supporting their students:
We chose to sponsor the Alan and Beverly Diamonstein Scholars Class of 2004 because of Walter Segaloff’s unyielding exuberance to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Education is the best way to reverse this cycle. An Achievable Dream Academy is the tool to make this happen. An Achievable Dream is Walter Segaloff’s legacy and we are proud to have participated in his legacy by sponsoring the Class of 2004.
– William Easby-Smith, Robert Easby-Smith, and Paul Truskey