Tajay Ashmeade, Taking the LEAP

By Saralyn Elmore

On March 30, Sauk Valley Community College hosted a Zoom meeting for which the speaker was ex-gang member Tajay Ashmeade. 

This Zoom marks another event that has been a part of Sauk Valley Community College’s Sauk’s Student Leadership Series. From Zoom meetings, to in-person speakers, orto Pizza with the President, the Student Leadership Series has been offering a plethora of opportunities for people at Sauk to be more involved at the school. 

Tajay Ashmeade was an ex-gang member and a gunshot survivor who faced many hardships but figured out ways to not see them as setbacks. She was able to turn her life around to become a professional women’s basketball player and an Olympic qualifying athlete amongst other accomplishments. 

The Zoom was focused on the idea of overcoming and accepting adversities. Ashmeade pointed out three important steps to deal with adversities: “identify adversity, change the narrative, and put that narrative into practice.” 

She encouraged the audience to not see adversities as setbacks, but as ways to move forward in becoming the best version of themselves. 

She also provided the audience with a 10-step plan. The plan lays out tips that the audience could choose to follow so they can reach their fullest potential. 

The last event of the Student Leadership Series is “Election Day is Every Day” with Lonnie Scott. It will be held on Wednesday, April 13th over Zoom. Students can check out their student emails if they wish to participate, or they can contact Ana Salgado at ana.s.salgado@svcc.edu for any questions.