Grad Stories
SPOTLIGHTING STUDENT SUCCESS
Katrina Oglesby
ODBI Class 10-2013
“I graduated Kennesaw State University studying Biology and Spanish and am now in Pre-Med. During my undergraduate years, I was blessed with a scholarship to study abroad on a faculty-led program in Oaxaca, Mexico. ODBI has always been incredibly supportive of my endeavors … and I love them for that. Time has flown by since I first met this wonderful program. ODBI team is so unique and powerful. I love them dearly. It is just a big family full of love and laughter.”
Joseph Smith
ODBI Class 3-2012
“I’ve got a full-time job, and ODBI Advocate Chris Harris and Coach Luis Castro are always there to help me. Team Orange is my family!”
Qiyamah Girard
ODBI Class 16-2014
“I played football for Delaware State and Morehouse, and I’m extremely proud to announce that I now have my own security company. Team Orange is the epitome of what any organization should embody to help young people!”
Maria Oglesby
ODBI Class 10-2013
“ODBI allowed me to view my life in a more positive aspect. Upon meeting ODBI, I had not thought seriously about college or my future plans; however, after being exposed to different educational pathways, I began creating goals for myself. As of today, I graduated Valdosta University magna cum laude!”
Shae Robson and Jumisha Jones
ODBI Class 7-2013
Both Shae and Jumisha have returned more than once as Peer Advocates for Macon ODBI classes! Shae attends Central Georgia Technical College and will graduate May 2018 with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood. “I’ve always had a passion for children’s rights and safety. My long-term goal is to transfer to a four-year school and major in psychology, social working and human resources.” Jumisha will graduate this year from Virginia College pursing an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. “I remember it was week seven of the program I understood I didn’t want to be my past, and I felt myself begin to blossom. I set goals then that I’ve accomplished, including being positive at all times.”
Isiah Greene
Class 29-2017
“I am proud to have graduated high school, proving to those who thought I wouldn’t that I could. Graduating the ODBI class was a big accomplishment. The program opened my eyes and helped me release a lot of negativity, and I thank the coaches for their guidance and counseling. I have now graduated SAE Music Production.”
Kemara Johnson
ODBI Coaching for College Completion (CCC) Class 11-2016
Kemara internalized the CCC curriculum, achieved her SMART Goals completed all the tests and applications required to be accepted into KSU’s nursing program. The transformational qualities of life coaching and the CCC curriculum gave her the confidence she needed to not only fully embrace her goals, but to also become an ODBI youth advocate. “During my time as an ODBI advocate, I enjoyed being able to build lasting bonds with the students. I learned a lot about the students and myself.”