Have you ever been washing dishes and knocked over a glass?

If you have quick reflexes, maybe you catch it midair.

But if it shatters, what do you do?

Do you sit there dwelling on the mess, or do you roll up your sleeves, clean it up, and move forward?

That’s my life.

Some days, I catch the glass.

Other days, I’m picking up broken pieces — sometimes getting cut in the process.

But with the grace of God, and the power of education, I’ve always cleaned up the mess — whether it was my fault or not.

My name is Tiara Christopher, and I’m here today to share a message of faith, perseverance, and the transformational power of education.

I am living proof that no matter where you start — no matter how shattered your beginnings may seem — you can rebuild something beautiful.

I spent my teenage years in foster care — over twelve different homes by the time I turned seventeen.

Five different high schools.

Ultimately, I dropped out.

But programs like Independent Living Skills and Youth Employment Partnership gave me tools I didn’t even know I would need:

– how to build a resume,

– how to fill out a college application,

– how to plan for a future that, back then, felt… impossible.

Later, I realized those programs quietly laid the foundation for my success as a professional college student.

The real shift began when I met my fourth social worker — Elizabeth Phillips.

She taught me two things that would change my life forever:

The importance of God, and the power of education.

Without my knowledge, she enrolled me in Diablo Valley College.

That one act shifted how I saw myself — and what I believed was possible for my future.

I began to believe — “It’s possible.”

While at DVC, I discovered programs similar to our very own Fostering Scholars — programs that offered book vouchers, early registration, and most importantly, a sense of belonging.

Elizabeth didn’t just give me tools — she gave me belief.

She raised her expectations for me.

And as Les Brown asserts,

“No one rises above low expectations.”

Her expectations freed me.

They allowed me to rise above the survival mindset that foster care often instills, and instead, step into the intentional planning college life requires:

– planning your academic path,

– your course load,

– your study schedule as an online student.

Because in foster care, life is so unpredictable and chaotic that long-term planning rarely feels possible.

Education taught me the power of preparation.

Even then, life kept testing me.

While attending community college, I was hit by a car as a pedestrian.

The doctor said I should’ve died.

But I walked away with only minor injuries.

That moment awakened my faith in a way I had never experienced before.

As a child, I struggled with the idea of God — wondering how a loving God could place me in such a dysfunctional family.

But surviving that accident was my first undeniable encounter with God’s power and protection.

It changed me.

And it lit a fire under me.

I pushed harder:

I joined the award-winning debate team,

I earned multiple scholarships — including ones for foster youth and first-gen students.

I began to realize — even my pain had a purpose.

As Maya Angelou reminds us,

“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”

I graduated cum laude with an Associate’s Degree in Speech and Rhetoric — and was accepted into five universities.

I chose UNLV, double majoring in Communication and Psychology.

But the transition wasn’t easy.

Community college had felt more supportive & familiar. At UNLV, as a first-generation transfer student, I often felt overwhelmed and unsure where to find the same level of resources.

That changed when I met Mark Lenker, Teaching and Learning Librarian.

Mark helped me become a detailed research analyst — transforming my writing and rebuilding my academic confidence.

Then I joined the National Society of Leadership and Success, where I learned:

“Success is not a destination, but a journey of growth and contribution.”

That’s the heart of leadership — becoming better so you can help others rise.

Slowly, I found my footing.

I learned to advocate for myself — to ask questions, seek help, and stay committed.

But just when life began to find its rhythm, I was in another car accident — this time, my car flipped, and the injuries were far more severe than the last car accident.

It nearly forced me to take medical leave.

Instead, I made the painful decision to drop Psychology.

The accident impacted my cognition — I couldn’t concentrate or process the way I used to.

Before that, I was taking 15–17 units a semester — earning A’s and B’s.

But one thing about trauma is this:

It touches every part of your life.

But God…

He reminded me of my favorite scripture:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

And just like He always does, He sent someone.

God always sends someone for you.

He’ll never allow you to be alone — even when you feel like you are.

For me, that someone was my sister.

She came to class with me.

She took notes when I couldn’t.

She made sure I didn’t fall behind.

I couldn’t work — but I found campus resources like SAFER and SOS Emergency that temporarily sustained me.

And thanks to God’s glory…

I graduated — with honors, and a Bachelor’s in Communication — during the height of COVID-19.

You’d think that was the end, right?

But then came a fierce custody battle that left me temporarily homeless — right as I pursued my third degree.

A Bachelor’s in Psychology.

Once again, thanks to the support of my sister, Fostering Scholars, and campus resources, I rebuilt.

And I kept studying.

Because education has always been more than just a degree for me — it’s been therapy.

It gives me tools not just to survive, but to heal…

To understand myself…

To contribute to others.

Today, I stand before you as a:

– Motivational Speaker,

– Certified Yoga Specialist,

– Philanthropist,

– and Rising Author.

All because I chose to keep moving forward — even when the glass shattered.

So I ask you today:

Who is pouring into you?

What programs and people are helping you gather the pieces?

How will you use them to write your next chapter?

Because in life — the glass will fall.

But I ask you again — how quick are your reflexes?

My name is Tiara Christopher.

And if no one has told you today:

You. Are. Possible.