As I sit down to write these words, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and joy. You see, this article isn’t just about anyone—it’s about my incredible daughter, Courtney. From the moment she entered this world, I knew she was destined for greatness, but little did I know just how extraordinary her journey would be! It has been awe-inspiring to watch her flourish from a bright little girl into a beautiful and self-assured young woman.
Courtney’s path has been filled with peaks and valleys. Through every peak, she has epitomized determination, resilience, and an unapologetic belief in herself, her purpose, and her capabilities. In high school, Courtney was often one of the few Black girls in her class. Despite her exceptional intelligence and fervor for community service, she carried the weight of needing to prove herself because of her race. I remember having conversations with her about how she had to be twice as good to get half as much. It broke my heart to see how this affected her, but I knew if I didn’t tell her, no one would. I used my influence as her mother to constantly infuse her mind and spirit with positive affirmations. She would need them to boost her spirit because so often the world tries to break the souls of beautiful Black women. (But Beyonce told us right, “You won’t break my soul!”)
Courtney had her sights set on attending UT Austin after graduating high school. It was even on her vision board, propelling her forward every step of the way. One day while visiting with her guidance counselor, she suffered a devastating blow to her confidence. Courtney’s counselor told her that she should not apply to UT Austin, as it was extremely competitive, and she more than likely would not get in. The counselor’s words were discouraging, to say the least, but Courtney was determined to prove her wrong. She applied anyway.
Graduating high school with a remarkable 4.3 GPA, Courtney tirelessly applied herself to her academics. But it wasn’t just about grades. She devoted over 1,000 hours to community service, and she was an athlete, participating in cheerleading and track and field. Because of her work ethic and dedication to excellence, Courtney received glowing letters of recommendation that spoke volumes about her character and commitment. Unfortunately, her counselor’s words rang true and left her heartbroken when she received a rejection letter from UT Austin.
Although her heart was broken, her soul was not. Eventually, I watched Courtney pick herself up, dust herself off, and use that disappointment to fuel her determination.
Courtney started her college journey at UT San Antonio with the hope that if she excelled there, she would eventually be able to transfer to UT Austin. And excel she did—completing a challenging year-long program and earning her place on the transfer list. My baby did that! At the time, a college admissions scandal involving UT Austin was in the headlines, but Courtney remained focused on her goals and worked extremely hard to earn her place. All her hard work paid off when she was eventually accepted to UT Austin.
At UT Austin, Courtney not only excelled academically, she also became a source of inspiration for others. She dedicated herself to helping fellow students, pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and even became a contributing editor for Cheryl Magazine. After graduating with honors, she embarked on a life-changing journey, teaching English in Grenada, Spain, and exploring Europe’s cultural riches in Ireland and Paris. Her fluency in Spanish opened doors to new opportunities.
Courtney’s ambitions didn’t stop there. This year, she enrolled in a highly competitive medical pre-req program at the University of Pennsylvania, setting her sights on becoming a pediatrician. Despite being told what she could not do, she has consistently achieved excellence and always made the best of every situation. She maintains the belief that anything is possible, persevering when faced with adversity and refusing to accept ‘no’ as the final answer. Courtney found her way to ‘yes’ through determination, hard work, and an unshakeable belief in herself.
Courtney is not just my daughter; she is a shining example of what can be achieved with passion and determination. As her mother, I couldn’t be prouder of the remarkable woman she is becoming. Courtney, you are an inspiration, and I can’t wait to see the incredible journey that lies ahead for you. Keep reaching for the stars, my dear. And the next time someone tries to tell you what you cannot achieve, just laugh—because, Baby Girl, you already did that!
Is there an amazing young woman who makes you proud? Shout her out in the comments!
Leave a Comment
Paula says
OH YES!!! She did that!! Shout it to the world, and let us know how proud you are of Courtney!
I am equally proud of my Super Shining Star Daughter, Jessica Barnes!!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Hey Paula! That’s right! Isn’t such a joy to watch our babies do great things? Nothing quite like it! Thank you for taking the time to read & comment! God bless!
Sherry Rolle says
What an inspiring story. Nothing is impossible.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Amen sis. The word itself says “I’m possible!” Thank you for taking the time to read & comment! Many blessings!
Royleta says
Simply amazing determination! She did that and is on her way of doing so much more! 💐
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Yes indeed, great determination! I’m so proud of my baby! Thank you so much for taking the time to read & comment sis! Love you!
LaVonda says
Please congratulate my Soror for me and hand claps and prayers for you both.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Hey Soror! I most certainly will! Thank you so much for your prayers and kind words. Many blessings!!
Stevie Swain says
What a beautiful letter to your daughter. Dr. Cheryl this is just a testament of who YOU are. You breathe and breed success, you’ve done it all your life and now you do it for thousands of individuals. I’m honored to be connected to such a spectacular human being. Thank God for molding you. Yes COURTNEY YOU DID THAT BABYGIRL!!🎊🎊🎉🎉
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Sis, you know how I much I love and appreciate you! You have been such a blessing to me. Thank you for your kind words and your consistent support. You are a gift!
Barbara D. PARKS-LEE says
My daughter, Claire, is a remarkable and resilient woman who has endured breast cancer surgeries, chemo, breast reconstructions, severe cataracts and successful eye surgeries, all while earning additional certifications to enhance her nationally certified massage therapist skills. Auto accidents, diabetes, and other challenges have not stopped her, and she has always stayed positive, uncomplaining, and an encourager for others. She is love personified. I am honored she is my daughter and one of the smartest women I know.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Barbara,
Your daughter is the remarkable warrior and survivor that she is because of YOU. What an amazing testimony you both have. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and share your daughter’s story. Truly inspiring! Sending you both much love and blessings!
Brenna Fields Hayes says
Never give up! That’s the post! Thanks for sharing your daughter with us!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
That’s it sis, that’s the message. Never give up! Thank you for taking the time to read & share! Much love & many blessings!
Pauline L. Monsanto says
Every reason to be a proud Mom. You daughter, my Soror, is on fire.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Yes indeed, so very proud of her! Thank you for reading & sharing, Soror! Much love & many blessings!
Evelyn says
This is an Awesome testimony that All things are possible.
Never give up on your dreams!!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Amen sis! Never give up! Thank you for reading & commenting! Much love & many blessings!
Rhonda Bogan says
Congratulations beautiful!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Thank you Rhonda!! Much love & many blessings!
Cherice Jackson says
Wow!!! She’s super dope! Congratulations, Courtney! And just think…the best is yet to come!!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Isn’t she?! You are so right! Thank you, Cherice! Much love & many blessings!
Joyce Averils says
Love this! What an amazing and inspiring story. Congratulate my Soror and tell her to keep doing what she’s doing.
Danette Brown says
What an inspirational journey and powerful testimony. And a blueprint for never abandoning your dreams. I am proud of you, too, Courtney! She gets it from her mother! ☺️
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Thank you so much, my sister. Much love & many blessings!
Tassha Faison says
Congratulations Courtney, keep being the amazing fearfully and wonderfully made woman that you are. You make us all proud. Soar high
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Thank you for taking the time to read & comment, Tassha! Much love & many blessings!
Maria Flowers says
Congratulations Mom!! You’ve soon seeds of greatness in your daughter by being an example of Black excellence! You DID that too!
Tanasha says
Congratulations to you all! Very inspirational and beautiful testimony!
She is going to be a wonderful pediatrician. 💚💕Excellence!!!
Candice Johnson says
I absolutely love this!!! What an inspiration she is! Continue excelling, breaking barriers, and redefining the “No.” The young lady I admire in my life is Charity Hawkins. She was treated as the least when it came to dance, only to soar to the top as a professional dancer who now performs with the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue team! She never let NO stop her, either!
Dr. Nicole S. Mason says
I love this, because it reminds me of the incredible influence that my Mom had on me, building my confidence and infusing me with the same kind of positive inner power to “show them better than you can tell them.”
Today, on the anniversary of my Mom’s passing, I remember my her with joy and gratitude. Reading your article today about how proud you are of your daughter made me smile and has helped me to continue to make it through today.
God bless you dear Sister!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Nicole I know that your mother would be so proud of all that you have done! Thank you so much for taking the time to read, comment, and share your story. Much love & many blessings!
Rosalind Cox says
Congratulations to all of you. This was a wonderful story. It reminded me of my daughter, Staci, who has grown into a wonderful and confident young lady. Today is her birthday and I always knew she would do great things. I’m proud of our daughters. God bless you.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Wishing your daughter the happiest belated birthday, sis! Isn’t it such a joy to watch our babies walk in their purpose? Thank you so much for taking the time to read & comment. Sending you much love & many blessings!
Mervelle Sage says
Amazing testimony of perseverance and passion! She is lucky to have motivated and supportive mother. I do not have a biological daughter but the young last that calls me mom continues to rise above challenges and just completed her doctorate in education. I am so proud of Latoya and know she will continue to shine.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Mervelle, while you may not have biological children, the fact that someone calls you mom speaks VOLUMES! To hear that she is doing great things says so much about your impact and influence on her. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. Sending you much love & many blessings!
Marcy Coleman-Love says
Congratulations Courtney on your amazing journey!
I’d like to also shout out my daughter, Taylor who is a great mother and the epitome of resilience. Although, life has thrown a few curve balls, Taylor never gave up. I’m convinced there is a call on her life and I’m excited to see what God is going to do through her!!!!!!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Marcy – sending love to you and your daughter. It is such a joy to watch our babies walk in their purpose. I know you are so proud of her. Be proud of you, too. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment! Much love & many blessings to you both!
Ericka says
Such a remarkable story. Vivianna, she has some learning challenges in school but she doesn’t give up. She puts in the extra time to get the work done. Oftentimes in school she feels overlooked but she doesn’t let that stop her from showing up and speaking up
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Ericka – your baby will always succeed and push through any obstacles she faces because she has a strong mother and has witnessed you do the same. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. Much love and many blessings to you & Vivianna!
Jrlyn says
Love this article. And let me say Kennedi C. I too say “You did that”. You continue to make us so proud. Her story reminds me so much of your story. They definitely can’t break your soul!! Keep doing you and stay on your path to greatness! ❤️❤️
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Jrlyn – I appreciate your kind words! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. Sending you much love and many blessings!
Dr Kerry Ann Zamore says
Keep striving the the stars Courtney. There is a village cheering you on and praying for you.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
My sister – thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. Sending you & the family much love and many blessings!
Francine Pierson says
Coutney’s story of a loving mom and dedicated daughter is inspiring.
I want to shout out my daughter Faitth Brooks. She is also a contributing writer with Mahogany. I am a proud mother as well. Faitth has always been compassionate for the outcast. She speaks with divine insight that shifts things into alignment to improve the circumstances for others.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Francine I know you so proud of Faitth. You should be as you have obviously raised her very well. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. Sending you much love and many blessings.
LaSone says
Many blessings Dr(s) Cheryl & Courtney!!
This article rings with pride as to what can be accomplished by our fearlessly determined, African American women! I too, have an amazing daughter–Stephanie Lynn.
She is a world travelling educator in Baltimore City Schools who shape and transforms the lives of our future leaders everyday. Stephanie has been a tribal leader since elementary school, always embracing other cultures. The sky is the limit for all of our young women currently living our ancestors wildest dreams💜
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
LaSone – Stephanie is doing great things & I love hearing about it. It is such a joy to watch our babies actualize their potential. Thank you so much for taking the time to read & comment. Sending you much love and many blessings!
Nicole Clapp says
What an inspiring young woman! As a mother myself to twin daughters and seniors in high school, I’m witness to what they’ve endured on their journey these past few months. To have Courtney’s determination and drive is admiral.
All the best to her on this next phase of life. And, great job mom and dad!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
I know your daughters are going to do great things; they have a remarkable example in you. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment, Nicole. Sending much love and many blessings to you & the family!
Ebony says
Absolutely beautiful, Courtney and family…thank you for sharing and being am amazing example!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment, Ebony. I appreciate your kind words. Sending you much love and many blessings!
Stacey Simmons says
Congratulations Courtney!! I am very proud of your accomplishments! I’ve shared this with my daughters to further inspire them! Amazing job sister Cheryl! 👏🏾