In celebration of the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation’s 70th Anniversary, Links to Success is one of seven organizations selected to receive a $5,000 grant in honor of a Selby Scholar. This special award is made possible by Gloria Jackson who wrote the essay below about the impact of Links to Success in her life.
Growing up in DeSoto County, I often felt like the world beyond my small town was out of reach. That changed when I became involved with Links to Success, a local nonprofit that has supported and guided me from middle school through college. Their consistent presence and genuine care helped shape my confidence, showing me that I didn’t have to be limited by where I came from.
I first joined Links to Success during middle school through their summer career exploration program. I remember vividly the moment I met a doctor from Arcadia, someone who, like me, had grown up in our small town. Until that day, I had never truly pictured myself pursuing a career in healthcare. His advice helped me realize that I had the potential that I just hadn’t seen in myself. That summer camp exposed me to a variety of professions, planted seeds of ambition, and showed me that success didn’t have to be a distant dream.
Throughout high school, Links to Success continued to be a steady presence in my life. Their College Ready program provided more than just academic preparation; it gave me mentorship, accountability, and support. I had bi-weekly check-ins with a mentor who was a college student herself, someone who came from a similar background and understood the pressure I felt as a first-generation student. She was a role model who reminded me that I could succeed, even when I doubted myself.
One of the biggest sources of stress during my senior year was the cost of college readiness. Standardized tests, tutoring, and prep materials felt financially overwhelming. Links to Success stepped in, covering the cost of my SAT and ACT exams and providing me with a free test prep workbook and tutoring. These were resources that I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. Their support removed barriers and gave me the confidence to do my best.
Beyond academics, the organization also gave me leadership opportunities. I worked as a junior counselor in their summer programs, helping younger students explore their own career options and supporting program leaders. That experience taught me responsibility, communication, and the joy of giving back.
Even now, as a college student, Links to Success hasn’t stopped showing up for me. I still receive check-ins and encouragement from Ms. Ashley Coone, whose thoughtful messages have followed me from high school into college. She’s always there, offering support and reminding me of my worth. Links to Success has been more than a program to me, it has been a lifeline. They’ve opened my eyes to new possibilities, supported me during some of my most stressful moments, and helped shape the person I am today. I truly would not be where I am without them. That’s why, if chosen, I would be honored to present this $5,000 grant to Links to Success to help them continue to uplift and empower students like me in DeSoto County.