Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.
And if those people exude joy and constantly look for ways to help others, there’s really no stopping them.
MacArthur High School senior Tiana Fultz is proof, and she is going places. She moved from Tennessee to San Antonio last year, and she spent her senior year in a new state, at a new school, overcoming new obstacles.
“I didn’t consider myself homeless at first, but I know there is more than one meaning to being homeless, and the fact that there is a program for homeless students is amazing.”
Tiana is part of North East ISD’s McKinney-Vento program, which helps students experiencing homelessness access the resources they need. When Tiana moved to San Antonio, she was living with her aunt. This is not what many might consider homeless, but it is not ideal.
MacArthur’s McKinney-Vento Liason Kristy Wager connected with Tiana to find out how she could help and support her during this year of big transitions. Wager helped, but she quickly credits Tiana for making the best of a tough situation.
“From the moment I met her, I already knew she is very determined and very smart,” said Wager. “She gives so much advice to younger students. She’s really good about meeting with them and giving them advice. She is talented. I have no doubt she will do great.”
Wager is a fan of Tiana—a big fan. In fact, she’s got an incredible piece of Tiana’s art framed and hanging in her office. She made sure to get it signed. She knows Tiana is going places with her art. Her first stop after graduation will be the University of Texas at Dallas, where she will study Visual and Performing Arts. Thanks to her grades, academic success, and counselors, she will be going with several scholarships and grants nearly covering tuition for her four years there. Tiana is graduating with a GPA over 100, meaning she is graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors.
She didn’t let obstacles become excuses; she turned them into jumping-off points toward her success.
“Not everybody struggling will show it. And not every struggle will be the same,” said Tiana. “It’s really important to show people that no matter what you are going through, you can excel and be abundant with joy.”
Thank you for sharing your joy with the MacArthur community, Tiana. We wish you the best of luck as you continue your educational journey in Dallas.
