A Resident's Story
"It is, truly, my desire and resolve that my life will be, by example, a testimony that one can overcome all challenge through faith in God, prayer and the courage to 'walk the road from darkness of defeat into the light of personal victory."
- Trelawney McKnight
RBJ honors resident Trelawney McKnight
Congratulations to resident Trelawney McKnight who recently won the Rochester Business Journal's Greater Rochester Student Standout Award. This award is presented to a college student who exhibits a strong commitment to the local community through volunteer human service activities and the promotion of volunteerism among peers.
While it's common for grateful Park graduates to return to volunteer and mentor, it's uncommon (but wonderful) for current residents to overcome their own problems and have the strength to give back while living at the Park.
In addition to the demands of raising two children by herself and studying human services full time at Monroe Community College, Trelawney actively contributes to Wilson Commencement Park life and programs. Her experiences at MCC have enabled her to overcome self-doubt and gain the personal confidence necessary to maintain a 3.5 grade-point average and become a leader.
Trelawney is committed to serving those in need throughout her life. "It is, truly, my desire and resolve that my life will be, by example, a testimony that one can overcome all change through faith in God, prayer and the courage to walk the road from the darkness of defeat into the light of personal victory," she said. She is active on the Park's resident council. In this role she organizes resident workshops, activities and special events, as well as initiating systemic changes aimed at enhancing resident programs designed to foster self-sufficiency. She also coaches and mentors other residents.
Trelawney created and facilitates the Sista Gals Book Club for pre-teen girls residing at the Park. She has also been very actively involved at MCC. Previously, she was president of MCC's Damon Campus Student Events and Governance Association (SEGA) and an orientation assistant. Currently, she is SEGA's peer leader and civic engagement coordinator, and is planning a Student Leadership Conference for March 29, 2008, for junior and senior high school students.
Her other community involvement includes belonging to the American Association for Women in Community College, the Black Women's Leadership Forum, and the Metropolitan Women's Network (a local chapter of the National Council of Negro Women).
Trelawney has been honored with the following awards: the State University of New York Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence, Rochester area college's Continuing Education Outstanding Adult Student, Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges, and a Certificate of Appreciation of contributions to the success of Monroe Community College's Damon City Campus.
Student Standout, Trelawney McKnight (published by the Rochester Business Journal on October 19, 2007)
Many single parents who graduate from Wilson Commencement Park return to help others struggling to put their lives together while raising a family on their own. Trelawney McKnight did not wait until she completed the program. The single mother of two, who attends Monroe Community College full time as a human services major, also helps others at the program on Joseph Avenue. She serves on the resident council and organizes workshops and special events.
McKnight, 41, came there a year ago with her children, now ages 13 and 10. She created and facilitates a program for pre-teen girls living at the facility called Sista Gals Book Club. The program includes reading books about girls like themselves, doing arts and crafts projects, and making journals. "Trelawney has truly made a difference at Wilson Commencement Park and has definetely made it a better place," states Iris Banister, executive director. While most residents are working to overcome their own problems, McKnight helps her neighbors, Banister states. "She is truly a giver." McKnight says helping is her way to give back. "As a member of the community I feel it is my responsibility to help build the community," she says.
McKnight is also active at MCC, serving as student president of its Damon Campus Student Events and Governance Association as well as an orientation assistant. She plans to transfer to SUNY College at Brockport after MCC and earn a master's degree in public administration. Her goal is to run a non-profit organization so she can help others gain the skills needed to break the cycle of poverty.
- Andrea Deckert
