The Heart of Determination
Lakeisha Freeman, SEEK Scholarship recipient
By Lakeisha Freeman
I am a product of the Glades Area, and I am proud of it. I was born and reared in South Bay, graduated from high school there, and was hired for my first job there at Payless Shoes Source making $4.25 an hour.
At the same time, I attended Palm Beach Community College, seeking a degree in Education.
My journey has been a long one, with many job and education experiences along the way. Certainly, it was not always easy and there were times I wanted to give up; but, my mother encouraged me to focus on the finished product, and that is what I did.
I have worked for the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Beach County, the School District of Palm Beach County, Family Central, Tree House Learning Center and Bridges.
I am currently an early childhood specialist at the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida. My work and my education have gone hand-in-hand, and the SEEK Scholarship has provided me the funding to advance my early childhood profession.
I now hold a B.S. degree in Organizational Management from Palm Beach Atlantic University, and an M.S. degree in Early Childhood Studies from Walden University. I have certificates in Preschool and Infant Toddler from Palm Beach State College.
It was my faith in God that kept me grounded and allowed me to realize these goals. I am truly thankful for the resources and the opportunities that have been made available to me. I was given an open door, and because of that, I have been able to grow and develop my skills in early childhood best practices.
