Vision: The Maleshia Jones Foundation

What good is knowledge if you don't use it for something? Or apply it to better your life or the life of another.  It would be a waste to go to school to get a degree if you don't plan to do anything with it.  Always begin with the end in mind.  I guess it's like that sometimes.

This afternoon, while in the shower, I had somewhat of an epiphany.  What would I do if I won a million dollars?  I had never seriously thought of a realistic answer to this question, but I know for a fact I wouldn't go insane with materialistic endeavors.

The first few things that ran through my mind were to pay off student loans and bills, donate money to various foundations (Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, UMBC Foundation, my high school, the National Society of Black Engineers, etc.), and help out my immediate family with necessary expenditures.

Then I thought to myself, what if I started a Maleshia Jones Foundation, one that would raise money to provide academic scholarships and youth outreach programs for underrepresented communities within the Maryland area (maybe start locally on a county level and see where and how it expands).  The primary foundational foci would be on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and youth outreach programs that engage students and get them interested in science and engineering.  I would first direct my focus on girls in science and engineering.  The underlying premise would be that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to regardless of your economic, cultural, or academic background. With guidance and support, the journey is a bit easier and more fulfilling. So much can be learned along the way.  The struggle is real. I know firsthand.

I am built for this.  My upbringing has allowed me to see both sides of the spectrum.  It is not easy doing your best when you have so many things trying to discourage you or knock you down. Support is everything.  That is what I hope to provide to young students with dwindling confidence.  I want to share my stories of challenge, struggle, doubt, triumph, growth, faith, and success in hopes of inspiring others that they can succeed also and rise above barriers.

I have to get all this down because such a small seed has the potential to grow into something so great and magnificent.  What I dream of may be ahead of me at the moment, but if it is meant to be, my dream will come to fruition.  Soon my 'what if' will turn into a 'it is' by the grace of God.  May God continue to guide me on my journey to help and bless others.