by Janet Chismar-Hardie '92
Her start in life wasn’t easy: death, addiction and abuse touched her life at an early age. But after emancipating from the Summit County foster care system, Felica Ross enrolled at Akron Early College High School (AECHS) where she earned an associate degree, along with her high school diploma, in 2012.
Ross went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education and recently completed a master’s degree in English at 国产伦理 in August 2022.
Now she works as an English/Language Arts (ELA) teacher at the school—the first alumna from Akron Early College to come on board.
In recalling her journey to success, Ross said she enrolled in AECHS to establish stability in her life. “Graduating high school with my associate degree was the most secure way I could think of to guarantee my way out of severe poverty,” Ross explained. “By having a degree when I turned 18, I was able to apply for Section 8 housing and food stamps and secure a better job that offered health insurance.”
Giving back
In her new role as an Akron Early College teacher, Ross understands the stresses and anxiety that her students face. She’s able to reassure them that she had the same fears and struggles—and offer coping mechanisms.
“Some of the kids come in every day so overwhelmed and they are looking for that light at the end of the tunnel,” Ross noted. “I remind them that what they are accomplishing will get them out of poverty.”
Ross noted that her own success wasn’t just due to hard work. “I was able to do things because I had a teaching staff that literally wrapped themselves around me. Everything that I have ever achieved is because someone else has given me their time, or their help, or their care.”
The principal’s perspective
Thomas O’Neil, the current AECHS principal, remembers having Ross as a student in his 10th grade ELA class in 2009—his first year teaching at the school. “What stands out to me about Felica, and always has, is her optimism. She brings positivity with her every day and shares it with her students and fellow colleagues.”
According to O’Neil, Ross is a living, breathing example of what the program is all about: “She has such a wonderful story to share with many of our students who have some of the same obstacles. She is now giving the same support to students she received when she was a student here.”
Why it works
Kelly Herold, director of educational outreach at 国产伦理, pointed out that the Early College model works because the University provides a personalized educational plan that complements with their high school schedule, has strong support systems built in, is completely tuition-free, and shortens the time to complete a degree.
Partnerships and people who care “can make all the difference in the lives of local students,” Herold added.
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