Impact

Boy oh boy! Let me tell y’all how I met Ms. Robinson. Welp, that was rude of me; I didn’t even introduce myself. Hello, my name is Nyiyah Bland, and I’m proud to say that I am a “Luminous Leading Lady.” Now, Ms. Robinson has always been a lovely lady, but when I met her back in my sophomore year of high school, she wasn’t anything to play with, honey. 

Refreshing back, it was a regular school day walking into my third period English class at Johnson College Prep. Walking in, I saw a beautiful woman, looking like she could be Blasian, scanning every scholar coming into the classroom. Why was the new dean in our classroom? The stern look on her face told it all for me. She ain’t playing with us today! See, my class had gotten a new teacher, and I felt sorry for that poor lady. The students were just taking advantage of her: talking back, not completing work, and many other things that I’m not going to list. The bell had rung which meant class was in session, yet the class was still talking. Out of nowhere, I heard a loud bang on the desk and someone said,  “And that’s not what y’all gone do today.” The whole class paused and looked right at her. I thought to myself: “This must be the mean lady everybody’s talking about.” She introduced herself and made it clear she was in charge now: that things were going to change. Of course, some students did not like it and had some things to say. But baby was them comebacks strong! In the midst of the chaos, she looked at me and softly asked me “What’s your name, honey?” I told her my name and from that point it was history. That mean lady everyone claimed her to be was a total sweetheart! 

Ms. Robinson saw potential in me that I didn’t at the time. At the end of the school year, she requested me to be honor’s English for the upcoming school year and I excelled. She said I was too smart not to be challenged academically, and I truly appreciate her for that. I was being challenged, and I loved every second! From that point, our bond grew, and she told me about a women’s empowerment group, Leading Ladies, that she would be recruiting for with an informational session and application process. Of course, I had to show my girl some love and spread the tea on top of joining. After school, she was a totally different person. She was my role model! We talked about careers, relationships, money, etc. She was the prime example of the independent, beautiful woman I inspired to be. Over the course of the years, she has been there for me throughout every transition in my life: from graduating highschool to leaving for college. Ms. Robinson did not play with me when it came to my studies, so she would frequently check in to see how I was doing. She checked me about my attitude, allowed me to become more open-minded, encouraged me to strive for whatever I wanted out of life, etc. Now, I am doing just that.

I am a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign pursuing my degree in Communications. Along with being a college student, I am working part-time. After graduating, I will be enrolling in a medical post-baccalaureate program where I will pursue my life-long dream of becoming a doctor. At one point of time, I had given up on it, but Ms. Robinson, like always, wasn’t having it. On top of that, I am in the process of launching my very own business in the near future. I can honestly say Ms. Robinson has played a vital role in my life and I know she can do that for many other girls who need it. Thank you for everything! 

Ms. Robinson… I just remember sitting in the back of fifth period class with a new teacher. She came in with a FIERCE & STRAIGHT FORWARD attitude, and all I can think is… I don’t like her attitude. Welp, I had it coming for me in the long run because from her working with me and  developing me as a young lady, I didn’t even realize she was there and in my life to straighten me out. Somehow Ms. Robinson and I grew this bond where I couldn’t differentiate between her being my “Ma” or teacher. She was always honest and professional, and I watched how she carried herself and treated others with fairness. She was just someone who I could talk to and share my problems without judgement and always encouragement. Day by day I began to grow closer and closer trusting her because in my past I didn’t trust any of my teachers. It amazed me because of the type of person I am, that’s rare. My attitude before meeting Ms. Robinson was almost ridiculous and I couldn’t be told anything by anyone. My facial expressions were just as bad. Everything bothered me.

Throughout the years of Ms. Robinson mentoring me, I gradually saw a change in myself. I’ve learned to be more patient with myself and others, I’ve learned to be better in life and have a better attitude with people. I also learned that it’s a time and place for attitudes, and surprisingly my facial expressions begin to change for the better. I started to smile more and just began evolving into this young lady that I was always destined to be. The change was only for the better, and I’ll admit that if it wasn’t for hours with Ms. Robinson after school when I was in her office hours completing my work, her mentoring me, the silent lunches, motivational talks and the person that Ms. Robinson was by her just being herself, I probably wouldn’t be the HyDashia Cauley I am today! She helped me with so many things and continues to help and inspire me today to be a confident, selfless and powerful woman. I’ve started my own business, I help other people and I learned my purpose in life. For that, I’ll always and forever consider her as my “Mama” because the love and care that she has for me is like my safe haven’s place.

How Ms. Robinson has impacted my life was pretty big to be honest. It mainly happened in 7th to 8th grade when she was a Dean in my school. When an incident involving me at the school happened, she made sure to contain the situation and made sure nobody else knew about it, while making sure I was okay. It helped me a lot through the entire thing because I was anxious, I was scared, I was afraid, and I was crying non-stop. But she helped me through and I’m still very grateful to this day that she quickly took action. She even let me use a private bathroom because I was so afraid of using the bathroom with the students for a while (which I am also thankful for). She taught me to have more confidence in myself (which I’m still working on. It’s a slow but steady process ) and to not let people get under my skin and make me fear them. So for that, I thank you for teaching me, even if it was only for a short period of time.

During the years 2015 through 2018, our daughter, Ashley, attended school in Brooklyn.  In that time frame, despite a number of challenges regarding developments regarding her classmates, our daughter was able to successfully graduate from the school with Honors as well as a class ranking of 9th out of over 100 students.  That level of success would have not been possible without one of the staff members having not only played a critical role in her education, but who’s also been an absolute blessing in having helped our daughter to have felt more secure and comfortable in that particular school environment.  That person was none other than Janique Robinson.

During that time frame, not only did Ms. Robinson personally make herself available to talk to Ashley, whether during the school day or via cell phone, regardless of whether it was to chat about school or life in general but also, when my wife and I would be at the school, we noticed her effectiveness in helping to keep things in order, and in addressing the behavior of the scholars, both the boys and the girls.  

In this day and age, when dealing with pre-teens and teens, being a person of “steel and velvet” is critical, in addition to the ability to relate to students and scholars, and in particular, our children of color.  Janique Robinson, therefore, is invaluable, both as a human being and an educator, and absolutely can be entrusted to influence our young people in a positive manner.

Regards,

My name is Sydney Dukes. I am 21 years old and currently a senior at Kalamazoo College majoring in Business. After college, I am looking forward to my success. If I could pick an individual who has been a great part of my journey, it would be my mentor, Ms. Robinson.

My first time meeting Ms. Robinson was in a classroom setting my sophomore year of high school. She was well known around our high school, in which students had respect for her. She was the person to keep you on track and motivate you. In addition, she started an all girl after school program. Furthermore, outside of high school, our relationship further developed from us hanging out in Chicago, to me visiting her in New York, and attending her launch party for her business Janique Nicole Cosmetics.

Ever since, I can say she has been a huge part of my life. Working with Ms. Robinson was like finding the missing piece to a puzzle I needed in life. She is such a knowledgeable, outgoing, and genuine person whom I aspire to be like in life. Ms. Robinson is a person I can call to listen to all my problems. She is the person I can call to get advice. She is the person I can get fashion tips from. She is the person I can call to guide me in the right direction with anything in life. 

Ms. Robinson has influenced me in various ways. She has influenced me to start up my own business, in which I sell sunglasses. She has influenced me to finish college and apply to graduate school. She has influenced me to accept my flaws and persevere through all challenges. In addition, she has influenced me to be my best self and to work towards being successful in life. Ms. Robinson is the ideal person as a mentor.

Greetings!

To the eyes wondering if you should become a mentee or donor, the answer is yes! And I will tell you why.

I’m Jaylon, a young girl from Orange Mound, Tennessee, and meeting Janique Robinson was one of the best things that has ever happened to my life. I met Ms. Janique when I was a student at Colonial Middle School. Ms. Janique was over the special education program there. For one, that told me then that she had a special gift about herself for young people. After just knowing her mostly in that role, we began to form a relationship when I was a part of the dance/ step team in which she was the coach/ sponsor. While on the team, she took me under her wings and it was an inseparable bond ever since. She provided me the opportunity to still be a part of the team, even when there were times that I couldn’t afford it. She made it happen. I went from just being a part of her team, to her and I forming a mother-daughter bond.

Throughout my life, Ms. Janique has taught me many lessons starting at the early age of 12, while at Colonial. In middle school, you start to experience things that formulate the type of character and will that you possess. You know, the times when you look around and see that others have things you don’t, or when people try to attack you for things beyond your control. Ms. Janique taught me that you can only handle the things that you can control and to not worry about others around you. You are the master of your fate and your situation can change at any time. Always stay positive and steadfast and continue to be the person that you know you are—that is what Janique instilled in me.

After moving on from Colonial, Ms. Janique continued to be a part of my life and mentored me. She was there to help me matriculate through my high school years and beyond. I will never forget the lessons and the fun times we have had. She taught me how to be a lady and how to stand strong in the face of adversity. In high school, I was the salutatorian of my senior class, as well as class president, among other things. Having Ms. Janique in my life and the values she helped to instill in me really helped me achieve these things. I modeled my graduation speech after some of the lessons I’ve learned from her.

After high school, I furthered my studies at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. While there, I majored in and obtained a B.S. in Sport Management and a dual minor in business and journalism. Upon graduating, I became pregnant and had my first child, Chandler, soon after graduating. I now have two kids, adding my daughter Harper in 2019. I currently live in Atlanta, GA.

I’m very thankful for the values and morals that Ms. Janique instilled in me. She has always been there to support me even when I made bad decisions, she has never left me. She helped me see the beauty within myself and to embrace the best attributes of myself and use that as my power. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor turned Mom.

I met Ms. Robinson over a decade ago when I was in the eighth grade, and she is as active in my life now as she was when we first met. I was a new student at Colonial Middle School and my parents were recently divorced. We moved to a new neighborhood and I had to make friends all over again. I decided to join the dance team and Ms. Robinson was the coach/sponsor. After school, I would go to her classroom and she would give me advice on morals and values. She helped me and other young women tap into our boldness and confidence. When my older sister went off to college, Ms. Robinson helped her navigate being in college away from family and friends. She reminded us to never dim our light to make others feel comfortable.

I am incredibly grateful that she became my mentor. Her advice and wisdom has allowed me to navigate the high and low moments that I have experienced in life. She is a woman of excellence, grace, and class. Janique exemplifies service and compassion to everyone she encounters. Her reach knows no bounds. She goes above and beyond for her family, friends, mentees, and strangers. 

I am a wife and dog mom, educator, and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

I am elated that she is embarking on this journey to continue to uplift, inspire, and educate the next generation of young women.

My name is Jaylah Rollins. I met Ms.Robinson’s during my Junior High school experience at school in Brooklyn. Ms. Robinson has been a blessing in disguise. When initially meeting her, I thought to myself “ this lady is going to drive me crazy, always telling us what to do”. However, Ms. Robinson turned out to be the “perfect” model for young girls my age. 

When Ms. Robinson became the dean, “it was showtime”. She tolerated no nonsense and had a high level of expectation from the students. This was not only our behavior, but academics as well. Mutual respect was a must for all relationships. Student to student, Teacher to student, teacher to teacher, and parent to teacher. 

Not only did Ms. Robinson connect to the students, she also built great relationships with the parents. We know this is important as we students try to get away with murder. Or, we tell the parents and teachers two different stories to see which will work in our favor. This didn’t work with Ms. Robinson. She was a step ahead and had our parents on speed dial. Whether work phone or cell phone. 

Ms.Robinson has helped me grow as a young lady. Not only could I talk to her when I didn’t feel motivated about school, but she left the door open to talk to her when I didn’t feel motivated about myself. She has taught me confidence, purpose, respect, independence, self- assurance and diligence. Most importantly, she constantly reminded me that I am responsible for my decisions and possess the ability to accomplish anything I put my mind to.

Ms. Robinson has been a confidant in many situations I’ve experienced during Junior High School. I tended to get into drama with fellow students. Most school leadership would have written me off. 

Ms. Robinson had a level of patience with my growth and development that is not common these days. She pushed me to stay focused on my grades. She coached me on how to eliminate myself from situations that are true distractions.

Eventually, I could talk to her like a second mom, with boundaries of course. Most people won’t understand how important it is to have that level of substance as a junior high school student. When no one else could get through to me, she could. I remember hearing her holler my name in the hallways……“JAYLAH”. 

No matter how much she hollered, I was always drawn to her, knowing she had my best interest at heart. 

Knowing Ms.Robinson is understanding that she is caring, stearn, and understanding with pure intentions. 

Meeting her was the highlight of my Junior High School experience and now that I’m in high school, she’s a part of my life. Checking on me often makes sure I’m still being productive with myself and on track with my grades.

This mentoring program will be very helpful for young and grown women, who need more guidance and mentoring than they already have in their lives. Ms. Robinson and her team will definitely be good mentors and leaders who will work you from your worst days to your best!

My name is Nyla B. Torres, and I am a high school junior. I first met Ms. Robinson when I was in 7th grade. She was a dean at the charter school that I was attending. Normally, kids who are known by the dean are the worst of the pack. I was just heading in the wrong direction and she came into my life at the right moment and rerouted me. Ms. Robinson was different from all of the adults in that school. She had genuine concern for me. She cared about me. Ms. Robinson checked in on my attendance, grades, family life, and social life. When my grades would begin to slip, she would take her time to talk to me and remind me of my potential, give me guidance on how to advocate for myself with my teachers to bring my grades up, and remind me of the student that I was striving to be. She never let me give up on myself or talk negatively about myself. Ms. Robinson was also huge on respecting yourself and demanding respect for others. She taught me a lesson about accepting people’s apologies vs accepting the behavior in which they are apologizing for. This is one lesson that I still apply to all relationships in my life. At first it was like having a big sister, but slowly her role shifted more into like a 2nd mother. 

When I think about all the challenges that I have had to face in these past few years, I am thankful to have had a mentor like Ms. Robinson in my life. When I think of the people that shaped who NYLA is today, she definitely is on that list. Although I am blessed to have strong and positive Black women in my life as role models, Ms. Robinson and I have a very special bond. Even after she left NY she maintained contact with me and she is still the same person even from miles away. She checks in on my grades and now other things going on in my life that I am comfortable enough to share with her and seek her advice on. Trust, patience, and honesty are things that I admire and seek out in people that I allow access into my life. I am thankful that Ms. Robinson has never fallen short in any of these areas. As I continue to develop into a young woman, I am secure that our conversations and the lessons she has taught me will help me maneuver this crazy ride called life, but the bonus is that I know that she’ll be a call away for the ride!