GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A young woman who once found herself living in her car and facing an uncertain future will soon cross the stage to receive her bachelor’s degree in social work from Ferris State University, making her the first in her family to graduate from college.
Rashyah Weatherspoon’s story is one of perseverance, determination, and the transformative power of community support. In early March, with just two months remaining in her college career, Weatherspoon found herself in a difficult situation — homeless and struggling to balance the demands of school, work, and everyday life.
Having been living in her car for some time, Weatherspoon, who had been working while attending school, struggled to find a stable place to focus on her studies. “It was just still overwhelming, having to put so much on myself for a certain amount of time,” she said, reflecting on the pressure she faced.
Weatherspoon’s daily routine involved hours spent searching for local libraries with study rooms, where she would complete assignments as best as she could. “I didn’t have space to focus. I didn’t have space to have personal time to myself or anything like that,” she recalled. “I would just go in there for hours and crank out as many assignments as I could.”
Her situation seemed insurmountable until she found support from Covenant House, a transitional housing program in Grand Rapids that helps young people between the ages of 18 and 24 find stability and support. In March, Weatherspoon joined the program, gaining access to the resources she needed to stay in school and continue working toward her degree.
Shelisa Jeffers, a case manager at Covenant House, was instrumental in helping Weatherspoon find the resources she needed to continue her education. “What we do here is we help them find stable housing, we show them unconditional love and respect, and we assist them with employment and schooling,” Jeffers explained. “Her story will give another young person the insight of ‘Hey, I can do it. She did it. I can do it.’”
Through the program, Weatherspoon found not only a safe place to live but also the emotional support she had lacked. “I could tell people here love their job,” she said, speaking about the staff at Covenant House. “They spoke life into me, and I lack a lot of family support.”
Weatherspoon’s journey to graduation was not without its challenges. At times, she questioned whether she would be able to continue, but her drive to succeed never faltered. “It was something I didn’t want to give up on, but something I knew I had to do,” she said.
Her graduation, which will take place in Big Rapids this Saturday, marks a significant milestone in her life and serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles. Weatherspoon’s achievement is a reminder that, with the right support and a commitment to persevere, it is possible to overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.
As she prepares to walk across the stage, Weatherspoon hopes her story will inspire other young people who feel trapped by their circumstances. “I want them to know that they can do it,” she said. “If I can do it, they can, too.”
