Community -- it's one of those words that is so vague and overused, it doesn't mean anything -- until it does... then, it's magic.

When I was a senior in high school, I was accepted into the Student Rising Above (SRA) scholarship and mentoring program. They gave me the courage to tell my story of resiliency and survival.

Recently my 12-year-old nephew began to improve in school. When I asked him how he did it he said, "You made me believe in myself." That's what Students Rising Above (SRA) did for me, and what I resolve to pass on to others.

SRA assists and teaches these kids not only how to get into college and take advantage of every grant and scholarship that might be out there, but they also pledge to work with them until graduation.

Alcohol and poverty tore my family apart. In the midst of the chaos, my dreams of pursuing an education seemed unrealistic. I didn't know how I would succeed because I had never seen anyone close to me do it.

Sometimes you need a breath of fresh air. I first learned about Students Rising Above (SRA)--an organization that helps low-income, first generation students earn college degrees--at a time when I really needed a lot of fresh air.

My husband, Eddie, and I are proud and honored volunteer mentors for four amazing students through Students Rising Above (SRA). Two are current first-year college undergraduates, and two are high school seniors.

It's unacceptable that, at best, 34 percent of low-income first-generation students graduate from college. When I think that only about 2 percent of foster kids in America will graduate college, I'm outraged. When will we decide to honestly and effectively address this shameful situation?

For too long, the national dialogue about college education has been focused on access and affordability. In fact, what's needed are comprehensive programs across the nation that enable promising students to overcome long odds and become dynamic contributors and role models.

Post-secondary education is pivotal to the future employment of our young people and to the health of our region and the economic prosperity of our nation.