By Jo Sarpal, For Neighbours February 23, 2012
Her nerves were frayed and her stomach flip-flopped.
Tessa Steadman slowly approached the stage, dressed in her navy gown, ready to take the most important walk of her life.
For Steadman, 19, this was a dream come true. Never before had she imagined she would graduate high school.
Enduring unspeakable emotional abuse and neglect for much of her childhood, Steadman accepted that homelessness could one day be part of her life.
She recalls watching her parents abuse drugs and being neglected to the point of going to school hungry. At one point, she was left on her own and lived on the brink of becoming homeless.
“My mom left to clean up her life and my dad, well, he was there, but it never felt like it,” Steadman says. “I was basically fending for myself.”
The neglect led to a loss of focus, her grades slipping and eventually depression.
Teachers began to notice changes in Steadman. After learning about her situation, they encouraged her to speak to the school counsellor. That was when everything changed.
“My counsellor told me about the Burns Memorial Fund and encouraged me to apply,” she says. “I was amazed at how much support I received.”
Burns Memorial Fund, a foundation supported by United Way of Calgary and Area, works to enhance the education, health and well-being of young Calgarians.
Steadman says the support she received through United Way and community agencies is what motivated her to succeed.
With only two semesters left until graduation, Steadman knew she had to accept the help, since it was her only chance at walking across that stage.
The one-year bursary Steadman received gave her the financial assistance she needed to help pay for basic needs, such as food and rent, as well as educational fees so she could stay in school.
“For the first time ever, I had a kitchen full of food. I was cooking meals I never dreamed I could make or eat,” she says with excitement. “I bought my first actual brand-new winter coat.”
Each year, nearly 3,000 youth drop out of high school in Calgary. United Way supports agencies such as the Burns Memorial Fund because it believes every child should have the opportunity to graduate and achieve success.
Above all, Steadman says while her world was falling apart, the supports she received kept her pointed in the right direction and gave her confidence.
The Burns Memorial Fund “didn’t just stop at supporting me financially. They guided me and mentored me and, because of them, I can now call myself a college student. There are so many talented youth out there that don’t have anyone to give them support. These agencies remind kids like me that there are people that care and want to see us succeed.”
As she walked across the stage, Steadman says she felt a sense of relief and happiness come over her. She no longer felt nervous.
With her head held high, she shook her principal’s hand and smiled. It was a day she would never forget because it was the first time in her life she felt she was walking towards a future.
Steadman now attends Alberta College of Art and Design and hopes to pursue a career in the arts. Her hard work and dedication awarded her two scholar-ships to help pay for her books and tuition fees.
To learn about the Burns Memorial Fund, visit burnsfund.com.
Jo Sarpal works for the United Way of Calgary and Area.
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