Dear HFCA Supporters,
Hi! My name is Taliyah. I first heard about HFCA a while ago and was actually supposed to attend back then, but my mom and I thought the building was a factory! At the time, it was just a middle school. Now, my mom works at Milwaukee College Prep (MCP), and when she toured the new HFCA high school building with her 8th-grade students, she finally saw what the school was all about. She immediately loved the environment, the structure, and the strong focus on academics. Hearing about her experience and learning how HFCA prepares students for college and life after high school really inspired me.
I transferred to HFCA in the fall of 2024 as a junior. So far, what I love most are the college-focused opportunities. From campus tours to dual enrollment, HFCA is not just about getting students into college, but about helping us succeed once we get there and beyond. I was unsure at first, but Ms. Kelly encouraged me to apply for dual enrollment, and now I’m taking my first college class to earn credits, which I take pride in. It’s helped me improve a lot, especially with time management, which I struggled with in middle school due to procrastination.
Outside of class, I’m part of the HFCA cheer team. It’s a completely different experience from my old team at my other school, where we mostly just practiced. That team didn’t have much culture or a sense of connection. At HFCA, our coach makes sure we’re involved in meaningful activities like cheering for troops and veterans, and participating in community efforts throughout Milwaukee. It feels great to give back, and I’m thankful to be part of a team that truly feels like family.
Another role I’m proud of is being a student ambassador. I enjoy helping new students and families get to know HFCA by giving tours and sharing my experiences. Academics are also very important to me. I’ve become more focused and committed to keeping my grades strong. Since cheer takes up a lot of my afternoons, I’ve learned how to manage my time more effectively. I try to finish my work by Friday so I can enjoy my weekends without stress.
Outside of school, I love traveling and going on road trips. Some of my favorite places to visit are the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and local museums. I also enjoy drawing whenever I get the chance. My mom is my biggest inspiration, and I’m really looking forward to going on a Mother’s Day trip with her. I’m also excited about our upcoming college trip to Atlanta, where we’ll visit Spelman College and Howard University in Washington, D.C. I used to live in D.C. before moving back to Chicago, and I still love visiting the Capitol and taking in all the history.
I’ve already started thinking about senior year and researching colleges that match my goals. My GPA goal right now is to stay above a 3.6. I want to graduate with that or a higher GPA. After going through a tough time with a past concussion that impacted my grades, I’ve worked hard to bounce back with the help of teachers, mentors, and my family.
Above all, my mom is truly my role model. She’s taught me how to lead with love, stay strong, and communicate with honesty. She’s always been a parent first before being my friend. She’s also my biggest supporter. If she’s reading this, I want her to know how much I admire her. Everyone deserves a mom like mine.
To all the HFCA supporters, thank you. Your support has already made a big difference in my journey, and I’m truly grateful.
Sincerely,
Taliyah