Photo: Getty Images
We are not defined by what we do for ourselves, but rather what we do for others.
During a graduation ceremony at Fitchburg High School, Harvard-bound scholar Vedra Tetteh was presented with a $40,000 scholarship to attend Harvard University. However, Tetteh had already received the financial support she needed to attend the Ivy League institution. Knowing the importance of a college education, the Fitchburg High School graduate asked that the scholarship be transferred to another student.
"I am so very grateful for this but I also know that I am not the one who needs this the most," Tetteh told school administrators during her graduation ceremony.
"And knowing my mom went to community college, and how much that was helpful, I would be so very grateful if the administration would consider giving the general excellence scholarship to someone who's going to community college."
Watching from the stands, Tetteh's mother, Rosemary Annan, gave her seal of approval. Leaving Ghana for the United States, Annan brought her children to Massachusetts when Vedra was only eight years old. While raising her children, Annan worked 80 hours per week and still found time to pursue an Associate's Degree. As her daughter moves to Cambridge, Rosemary Annan continues to work toward her Bachelor's Degree.
"That touched my heart, I would do that, I know I would do that, she's learned from me over the years," Annan told NBC 10 in Boston.
"I've always been taught that we're blessed, to be a blessing to others," Tetteh added.
Fitchburg High School Principal Jeremy Roche also gave his seal of approval. Members of the school administration will now work to find another worthy recipient of the scholarship.
"What she did, it represents the best of humanity, in a sense," Roche added.
Tetteh plans to study chemistry at Harvard University. After completing her undergraduate studies, she hopes to attend medical school.
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