Disheek Williams knows the importance of having a mentor who you can relate to. He says that when he was younger, he lacked mentors who he felt like connected to his experiences. “Once I had a Black male mentor, he related to me and he made me see things a different way. I’ll never forget him.” In Disheek’s eyes, being a mentor to someone means “letting them know that they’re not alone. I’ve been there with you and I know what the outcome might be.” Disheek’s interest in mentorship inspired him to become a social worker, a path that he will pursue this fall when he enrolls at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). “I’m excited to explore new heights and see where life could take me,” says Disheek. At Washington Metropolitan High School, Disheek says the teachers and school staff have pushed him to succeed. “Everybody here has been a big help to me.” When Disheek arrived at Washington Metropolitan High School, he reunited with Mr. G, a pathways coordinator who Disheek first met in 7th grade at Hart Middle School. Disheek says that many years later Mr. G still provides him with the same level of support. “He doesn’t ever change. He’s always stayed on me and made sure I got my work done. That’s what gave me the motivation to keep coming to school.” #DCPSGoesToCollege
