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 positively impacted 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 2018 graduate, Quamara Grady.
Tell us where you are, what you’re doing now, and the accomplishment or life milestones you’re most proud of!
I am currently in Los Angeles, California attending the American Musical and Dramatic Academy for acting. I am most proud of myself for not giving up on my dream during the pandemic.
What about An Achievable Dream do you feel most prepared you for the career and life you have now?
As an acting major at AMDA and an independent, growing young lady, there are several life skills and tools An Achievable Dream equipped me with and prepared me for success. They include a sense of commitment, leadership, building positive character traits, maintaining ethical behaviors of a student, teamwork, time management, maintaining outward appearance, displaying appropriate behaviors in the home, college campus, and on set, effective communication, and active listening skills, as well as utilizing support and coping skills to overcome challenges. Without An Achievable Dream, I would not be the person I am today.
What is next for you?
In this next chapter of my life, I will continue to build myself and my craft in acting.
From our President and CEO, Dr. Lee Vreeland:
Quamara is a determined young lady who knows what she wants in life and has a “do whatever it takes” mindset to achieve her goals. She has the sweetest personality and a smile to match! She was always a great role model for her peers and a problem solver. She was also never too proud to ask for help when needed. She will succeed in everything she strives to accomplish because she has such a strong sense of determination.
– Lee Vreeland, Ed.D., President/CEO, An Achievable Dream
Continue reading to learn about why the graduating class sponsors from 2018, the Levin and Friedberg families, chose to invest in the Dream.
Our family chose to sponsor a class of An Achievable Dream students because 25 years is a milestone year of advancement and accomplishment. We have been involved from the beginning because we believe education is a key tool for personal growth. We admire the perseverance and strength of character of these students to reach their goal to become 2018 graduates and we want this class to realize the benefits that higher education can bring to them personally and to their community. We are fortunate to have Claire and Marvin Friedberg join with us in this sponsorship so that our ‘2018 Dreamers’ can fulfill their dreams!
– Betty, Nancy, Beth, and David Levin
We chose to sponsor a class at An Achievable Dream because it gave our family the opportunity to make a significant and positive difference in young people’s lives. An educated person is more likely to reach his or her potential and have a happy, productive, and full life.
– The Friedberg Family