In her own words
Lakeia Alasad-Craig
I’m pursuing higher education because, as a Black girl raised on the East Side of Detroit in a middle-class household by a single mother, I watched her work tirelessly every day to ensure my sister and I were successful. I owe it to her—and to myself—to strive for more than what I grew up seeing. As a first-generation college student, I often feel like I carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. The pressure to show up for myself daily, while managing the weight of everyday struggles, is far from easy. I constantly remind myself that nothing worth having comes easy and that life is difficult; we have to choose our challenges and persevere through them. I’m majoring in psychology with a minor in African American & African Studies. I chose this path because mental health isn’t taken seriously enough in the Black community. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to continue my education in graduate school with the goal of one day earning a Doctorate in Psychology. My dream is to open several non-profit mental health clinics across Detroit. A major reason why people in the Black community don’t seek help when needed is due to the cost. I believe that if these services were reduced in price or free, it would make a tremendous difference. Hopefully, more people would take advantage of these resources and realize that it’s okay to ask for help.