Luretha Bobb reads a letter about her son, Andre' Bobb and becomes overwhelmed. Ms. Bobb had some real concerns for her 16 years old son, Andre' Bobb's and his well being. The letter was brief, three paragraphs, concise and to the point. Nevertheless, the words on the paper brought tears to Ms. Bobb's eyes. After all the letter was about her son.
The letter's message contained an affirmation about the very path Andre had chosen for himself. Of course Ms. Bobb had made certain that Andre was exposed to a strong belief system. Faith would be essential for him, as well as sustain him throughout his life, this his mother knew. Especially,since Andre was so young but still he was clothed in a certain mystic of maturity. His academic achievement attested to that fact.
Earlier, Andre made her a proud parent, not just as a mother, but as a student. Andre maintained excellent grades in school. Matter of fact, Ms Bobb had attended Andre's school, Cornerstone Christian College Preparatory Day and High School, annual honors ball. Every year Cornerstone honored the students who maintained honor grades. And, if that wasn't enough Andre was selected as valedictorian of his graduating class. What more could a parent ask for?
It seems Andre' still had plans.
Andre's plans would take him from the safe nurturing environment of his hometown, Fort Wayne and place him into the big City of Chicago, Illinois. Chicago is just not the same as a City like Fort Wayne where everyone knows your name. And Ms. Bobb understood the temptations that awaited a young impressionable teen in the big city. But, Andre had made the decision that could impact the rest of his life.
Was it the right decision? Fears, she had probably not addressed herself, were alleviated as Ms. Bobb read the letter.
You see, Andre had chosen DePaul University to continue his studies. A private university with over 23,000 students. Andre immersed himself in positive organizations within the college community. He is a member of the DePaul University Gospel Choir. He joined the Black Student Union. Choices that some would say, was Andre's defining his commitment to carrying on his mother's legacy. In addition to all that, Andre' was selected as student of the month from among his peers of 23,000 students.
Which helps somewhat to explains Ms. Bobb's tears. The letter was from the DePaul University, Dean of Commerce, Ray Whittington. The tears flowed, as she read from the letter:
Congratulation on achieving academic excellence! In recognition of your scholastic achievement in the College of Commerce at DePaul University, you will be honored and acknowledged at our Freshman/Sophomore Honors Convocation.
The top 5% of the freshman class and the top 10% of the sophomore class are invited to receive this recognition of scholastic achievement.
You see the letter placed Ms. Bobb on notice that perhaps her son's honor ball days were behind her, but Andre was still achieving. Ms. Bobb beams in telling about Andre achieving a 4.0 in an accelerated program during his first quarter. Just 16 years old,a young future Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. just might be in the making. Sounds like Ms. Bobb will have quite a few new ceremonies honoring her son's academic achievement.
She is so proud.
Enough to make any mother shed tears.
