Your Gift in Action: Meet Aisha
“Working with the Petey Greene Program has truly transformed my academic experience. I came to the Petey Greene Program when I began pursuing my Masters in Public Administration. Being back in school was like learning how to swim in the deep end. What started as a necessity - getting help to finish my degree - turned into an invaluable partnership that has given me the tools, perspective, and confidence to finish strong.
Writing the capstone required to complete my degree was once daunting, but with the unwavering support of my PGP tutor, Zachary, I was able to enjoy the process and feel confident in my writing skills. We met every Wednesday and he helped me not only with editing; he challenged me to think deeper and refine my arguments. When I shared my first draft with him, admittedly, he ripped it to shreds. The feedback, though tough to hear, was exactly what I needed: he challenged me to make it even better by asking questions that strengthened my research and posed ideas that made my writing even more persuasive.
One of the things I’ll always remember from our sessions is how Zachary explained that no matter how good a writer you are, everyone needs an editor. He shared how even the most brilliant writers—like Toni Morrison, whom I admire deeply—had editors who helped refine their work. It was an eye-opening moment for me. The process of editing and revising is not a sign of failure, but a vital part of growth as a writer. In that conversation, I realized that writing is a skill that improves the more you do it, and it’s okay to need feedback from others. That perspective helped me embrace the critique and push myself to improve, rather than getting discouraged.
“This program isn’t just about academics; it’s about empowering people to succeed against the odds. It’s about meeting students where they are and providing the support they need to thrive.”
The Petey Greene Program’s support has been life-changing. When I started working towards my MPA, I was determined to finish, but unsure how I would balance everything. Life challenges, the pandemic, and financial pressures could have derailed me, but the PGP helped me stay focused and move forward. This program isn’t just about academics; it’s about empowering people to succeed against the odds. It’s about meeting students where they are and providing the support they need to thrive. The work Petey Greene does is something for which I will be forever grateful.”
-Aisha Radellant, former PGP student
Your donation is critical to helping us reach more students like Aisha. Every gift—no matter the size—enables us to empower students with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in and beyond the classroom.