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“Sometimes we have a lot of plans in life and things happen…My mom was a diabetic throughout [her] life. She had 16 siblings growing up – they all died from diabetes. I also lost my father when I was 9 years old.. After my mom’s death, I had to grow up quickly and be a strong woman for my family. I was unable to finish my 4 year degree because I had to be self-sufficient and focus on helping my 4 sisters.

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What was your most memorable moment that you’ve had here at Georgetown?

“One time, 2 students bought coffee for us while we were working during the snow storm. That really showed their appreciation and it touched me… It really did… And its not the big things that count you know, it’s even the little things! Even a simple thank you is appreciated. And I get that a lot around here, especially from the student athletes!

I see many of them at 5:30 – 6:00 in the morning. Everybody calls me mom! I respect them and they respect me. And once there’s mutual respect, everything else will follow.”

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The next time you see Jacqueline or other Facilities Management Workers, spark up a conversation and thank them for their service to our GU community! You never know how much a simple gesture can mean to an unsung hero.

The post Unsung Hero #14 – Jacqueline Roberts appeared first on Unsung Heroes.

“When I first came to America in 1996, I came with a chip on my shoulder. I’m here for a reason – for a better opportunity and a better education. My hardship that I dealt with growing up in Jamaica has made all the more hungry to succeed here in America. Only God knows where I would’ve been – if I was back home. In my area, not a lot of people make it past a certain point.

I always used to help my mom with cooking… especially with the grill. [Cooking] Jerk Chicken just came natural to me. I’ve been trying to build my own business.. I went to vista print, got some cards, did some advertising… and from then on, I just fell in love with the grind. My dream is to have 3-4 restaurants in different locations or even a franchise one day.

What drives me is my mom, my daughter, and my wife. Couple of times, my mom couldn’t pay her bills and I saw [her] crying.. It hurts sometimes when a son sees his parent go through certain things – and can’t help her because he has his own responsibilities. But if my business comes up to that extent- she won’t have to work no more..

Sometimes I lack self-confidence.. I tend to listen to other peoples negativity. Some friends say … ‘yeah [your food] taste good but I don’t see it as a business.’ I need to learn to block all of that out and just have faith in God – and believe in my own dreams and potential.. My mom always told me that everybody has their time. If you’re patient, your time will come.. I’ve been praying about it. I know my dream will come to pass..”

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“I came to the United States about 14 years ago from Ghana, Africa. By the grace of God, I entered this university and I learned something from the students. Before I can’t speak english proper, even some of the letters – I can’t sound it, the kids helped me a lot. ..In 2010, by the grace of God, I went to [take] the [Citizenship] test and I passed!

[Today] I study to learn how to read and write… My teacher’s name is Katherine Leopold. She’s a student and she teaches me how to read English. [On] thanksgiving.. her family, because of me, came to DC. We went out and had dinner together!”

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“You never know how much simple gesture can mean to an unsung hero.”

The post Unsung Hero #11 – Memuna Tackie appeared first on Unsung Heroes.

“One time I was taking out the trash in New North, and I saw three girls walking towards Healy Hall. Two of the girls were carrying the other 1 in the middle – I could tell that she was severely intoxicated. I noticed that there were 3 boys following them from a distance and they were walking real slow. They were acting really suspicious and I could tell that they didn’t go here.

So when the girls walked by me, I called them over and had them sit next to me for a few minutes. When the boys saw that, they went by the walkway near White Gravenor and just stared at us. It looked like they had something up their sleeves. So I called DPS and when the boys saw them coming, they ran down the steps and left campus.

One of the girls came back the next day with tears in her eyes. She hugged me really tight and said thank you for helping me! It was one of the proudest moments of my time here at Georgetown!”

The post Unsung Hero #9 – Vernetta Butler appeared first on Unsung Heroes.

“I cherish my wife and the life we had together. 5 years ago, she died of breast cancer. My entire life changed.. Everything went down hill. There was no support anywhere. I had to quit my job and start all over. Now I work close to 50 hours a week to pay for my daughters tuition.”

The post Unsung Hero #1 – Michael Blake appeared first on Unsung Heroes.