Kenya Cyrus

       On any given day in the Utica area, a television commercial using me as a spokesperson is broadcast by my employer. I was chosen to represent the company because of my years of service, my upward career trajectory, and a record of hard work. I am sure that many see my life as a success story. But framing mine as a success story both erases the price I have had to pay for my success, and ignores the limits that I am now working so hard to overcome. Although I am celebrated and rewarded, without a four year college degree the salary I earn is not enough to raise and support my six year old son and me. Despite my efforts we have no money for things like sports, extra-curricular activities or family vacations. What’s more, my job takes me away from my son, at a pivotal time in his life. As a result I am working every day in college to better our lives, to assure a bright future for the child I love so much, and to provide my family with a life filled with productivity, fulfillment and success.
      My pathway is not easy. While attending classes, studying, and completing homework, I also care for my young son and work 35-40 hours per week. During school breaks I work up to 65 hours per week, so that I can save the overtime to help me through the rest of the year. Leaving my son in childcare for so many hours each day is difficult for both of us, but together we sacrifice for our future. I do this all, working to the point of exhaustion, so that I can someday be an educator in the area. I hope to nurture, inspire and teach youths who so need direction and the support of caring and able adults in their lives.
      I also work hard for my son. I read to him, study with him, and nurture him, with what little time I have. He is a bright, curious, respectful and wonderful child, who deserves so very much. He is also my greatest supporter, telling me how proud he is of me, how he will be a good student like me when he grows up, how someday, when I am a teacher, maybe we will be at the same school and have lunch together. The hard work will pay off. Not only will I fulfill my dreams but also put my son in a place where he feels confident that he can fulfill his.
      Our dreams will come true, in large part because I was able to enter The ACCESS Project at Hamilton College. The ACCESS Project opened a door for me that has been firmly shut for most of us. Although it is our responsibility to walk through that door, to work hard and to keep on going, ACCESS holds that door open for us. The people there help us to receive the support we need, provide us with inspiration and help in learning, and make sure that we are all working toward our educational and career goals. As a student I grow and learn and have new hope every day. I will work hard no matter what job I hold. However, I know very well that it is not just a matter of having a job that will help us to survive. Rather, I need a career that supports my son and me, that I will embrace with all of my ability, and that allows me to be a contributing member of our culture. The winner in this equation will clearly be all of us.

Photo Exhibit

A nationally touring exhibit of 50 framed, museum quality, color photographs coupled with narratives created by students who are welfare eligible, single parents changing their lives through the pathway of higher education.  The installation presents a unique view of poverty from insiders’ perspectives and reframes the cultural (de)valuations of poor single parents vis-à-vis family, work and higher education in the United States today. View the Gallery Guide.