Lewis graduates three times in 2013

Dajyra D’Jontae Lewis, the daughter of Trivinskie Ardoin and Venita Doucet of Ville Platte and granddaughter of Mary Ardoin of Ville Platte and Willie Mae Lewis of Port Arthur, Texas, has graduated three times in 2013. She wanted to share the following thoughts on her accomplishments since graduating high school this past May.
As a child, mom taught me to pray and ask God for anything I desired. Today, I want to thank my mom for teaching me that valuable lesson. I can remember hearing my mom praying, she always asked God for strength and guidance. It’s a wonder why she is so strong and walking the right paths in life.
Once I became a teenager, my mind began to race, thoughts of my future constantly clogged my brain. I knew I wanted to go to college but could Mom afford that? Visions repeatedly occurred (mom praying, mom’s valuable lessons). On November 14, 2012, I enlisted in the Army National Guard with the intention of, “I was being led by God.”
In April 2013, I was accepted into Southern University A&M College. On May 16, 2013, I received a scholarship from the Army National Guard to pursue my career. I was also awarded the Taylor Opportunity Program Scholarship (TOPS). Reality began to sink in and I was on the path to achieving my goal.
On that same day, May 16, I graduated from Ville Platte High School with a 3.4 GPA (grade point average). While at Ville Platte High, I was a member of Beta, FCS, cheerleading, danceline and softball.
On June 10, 2013, a day I will never forget, I left home (with no intentions of what I was about to face) to receive my training for the Army National Guard. Never had I been away from my mother, and this was a challenge for both of us. Once again, mom’s valuable lessons came to mind. During my training, I was promoted to an E-3 (PVT First Class), graduated from basic training on August 22, in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and graduated A.L.T. on November 3, in Fort Lee, Virginia.
On January 13, 2014, I began my career goal at Southern University, where I will pursue a degree in criminal justice. Young or old, I encourage you to never say never. If there’s a will, there’s a way.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”