Tiana Felix – Seven Hills/Learning First Alumni – Class of 2011
“My teachers were a significant influence, pushing me past what I thought was the end.
Not one teacher let me feel bad for myself or slacked off; not one teacher thought, “she can’t do it”. It is because of their endless support that I am progressing and refuse to stop growing now. My future is bright thanks to the village that raised me. I am forever thankful.”
Meet Tiana
Tiana graduated from Seven Hills/Learning First in 2011. After graduation, she went off to Worcester Technical High School and continued her education in Quinsigamond Community College, where she received an Associate Degree in criminal justice. Tiana is currently working on obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice at Worcester State University. She will be starting the Worcester Police Academy in January 2022.
Throughout this journey, Tiana has been working as a unit supervisor and administrator at a residential program with youth who struggle with mental health. She chose this career path because she wanted to lead by example and help the youth in her community by creating healthy relationships and building trust.
Tell us how your experience at Seven Hills/Learning First helped shape you to achieve your goals and shape who you are today?
My experience at Seven Hills inspired me to take on challenges rather than running away from them. My teachers were a significant influence, pushing me past what I thought was the end. Influencing me to set short-term and long-term goals for myself and hold myself accountable every day.
What were some challenges you faced along the way to getting where are you today? How did you overcome these challenges?
I faced homelessness. I bounced from house to house, living with family and friends. My mom struggled to pay the bills, which made focusing on schoolwork much harder than the average student. I spent long hours after school playing basketball or at show choir practice, finishing homework just in case the light at home was still out. I used the resources I had – the teachers I trusted, my coaches, and my friends to help me stay organized and focused.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the woman I have become. Although I have so much to learn, my challenges have made me stronger and resourceful. I received the Key to The City in 2014, became Worcester’s Youth of The Year in 2015, and continue to volunteer around our city, making a difference in the lives of other youth like my teachers and mentors did in mine.
What is next for you in life?
I will be starting the Worcester Police Academy representing the class of 2022.
What are your words of inspiration to the current students of LFCPS as they look to the future?
Lead by example. It is important to leave your footprint and do what makes YOU HAPPY. Despite how many challenges come your way, remember that those challenges are experiences. They are life experiences that will make you stronger along the way, building your strength for your future.
What will you remember Seven Hills/Learning First for?
Thank you to my Seven Hills Family. Not one teacher let me feel bad for myself or slacked off; not one teacher thought, “she can’t do it”. They all pushed me harder than I tried to push back. It is because of their endless support that I am progressing and refuse to stop growing now. My future is bright thanks to the village that raised me. I am forever thankful.
Diamond Tarwoe – Seven Hills/Learning First Alumni – Class of 2008
“I came from a lower-income family and had a lot of pressure to succeed and be the first to graduate college. Luckily, I had a wonderful support system, which allowed me to become motivated and passionate in achieving my goals.
Seven Hills has provided me with the skillsets needed to become a team leader, people-oriented, and an organized individual, which are transferable skills that I use in the work that I do today.”
Meet Diamond
Diamond is the Seven Hills/Learning First graduate of 2008. After graduation, she attended North High School and then UMass Lowell, where she majored in Political Science. After receiving her BA, Diamond pursued her Master’s Degree in Public Administration at UMass Lowell and graduated in 2018. While pursuing her Masters, she also became a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Tell us how your experience at Seven Hills/Learning First helped shape you to achieve your goals and shape who you are today?
Seven Hills has provided me with the skillsets needed to become a team leader, people-oriented, and an organized individual, which are transferable skills that I use in the work that I do today.
What were some challenges you faced along the way to getting where are you today? How did you overcome these challenges?
I came from a lower-income family and had a lot of pressure to succeed and be the first to graduate college. Luckily, I had a wonderful support system, which allowed me to become motivated and passionate in achieving my goals.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Being the first in my family to graduate college and the first to receive a Master’s degree.
What is next for you in life?
Next, I would like to get married and start a family.
What are your words of inspiration to the current students of LFCPS as they look to the future?
Don’t be afraid of failure. Without failure, there would be no success. Failure represents the path that leads to your story, your goals, and your aspirations. Never give up on your dreams, and remember it is okay to plan for yourself and then make changes along the way. We learn more about ourselves through our experiences and our surroundings.
What will you remember Seven Hills/Learning First for?
I am grateful for being part of the very first members of the stomp team. There, I made everlasting friendships and learned the importance of teamwork and creativity.
Gillian MacDonald – Seven Hills/Learning First Alumni – Class of 2005
“Seven Hills pushed me to be a voracious reader, which translated into my passion for learning and succeeding.
If you work hard, you will be able to do anything. It doesn’t matter where you go to school; it matters the impression you make on those around you and how they can help you connect with others to get you to where you want to go.”
Meet Gillian
Gillian graduated from Seven Hills/ Learning First Charter Public School in 2005. After graduation, she attended Doherty Memorial High School and went to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She studied abroad in London and graduated in three years.
Gillian started her career at Macy’s buying Apparel. She returned home to Massachusetts in 2012, where she has since worked at CVS Health and BJ’s Wholesale Club, managing categories from Beauty to Small Appliances and handling $100M+ businesses. She currently works as Category Merchant of Optical at BJ’s Wholesale Club.
Gillian also received her MBA from Boston University in their part-time program in 2018.
Tell us how your experience at Seven Hills/Learning First helped shape you to achieve your goals and shape who you are today?
Seven Hills pushed me to be a voracious reader, which translated into my passion for learning and succeeding.
What were some challenges you faced along the way to getting where are you today? How did you overcome these challenges?
Living in New York City at 18 was a totally new experience for me; everything about it was different from being in Worcester. I ended up getting a job right away to help pay for school and living expenses. It was hard to work with a 45 min commute and manage school, but it was worth it to enjoy city life.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Owning a house and having two dogs and a cat with my husband! Traveling to places like Japan, Iceland, France, Germany, and more together. Career success is great, but your personal life is more important!
What is next for you in life?
More of the same – hopefully getting back to travel soon.
What are your words of inspiration to the current students of LFCPS as they look to the future?
If you work hard, you will be able to do anything. It doesn’t matter where you go to school; it matters the impression you make on those around you and how they can help you connect with others to get you to where you want to go.