Loving, compassionate, strong: Meet De'Shauna Hughes

by Rakayla Veal

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. De’Shauna "Shauna" Hughes graduated high school in 2018 and began college immediately after. She began attending Mount Mary University as a first-generation student majoring in communications. Shauna's freshman year was challenging for her, with her grades dropping significantly and tuition needing to be paid, but because she was in the promise program, she was granted money towards her tuition, and she could also rely on tutors and academic coaches who helped her bring her grades up. They monitored her as she progressed through the rest of the year. The promise program offered many off campus events, but after COVID-19 struck, Shauna was no longer able to go and this affected her, because of her loving, compassionate, and strong personality.

Later in her college education Shauna met many staff members apart of the promise program who she felt comfortable enough with to share her feelings with, vent to,

and even cry in their offices if she needed to. Recently Shauna lost her aunt and stepmother. Even though many counselors and many promise program staff members were open and available, she was strong enough for her and her father, but the promise program was still available to support her when she needed it. Shauna enjoys reading, hanging out with her friends, family and fiancé who is in the military.

Shauna is a senior attending Mount Mary University, and she is majoring in Communications. She has been a part of the Promise Program since she was a freshman. The Promise Program has helped Shauna financially, academically, and emotionally.

She's a commuter who was balancing her personal life and school life in order to maintain good grades. Shauna is looking forward to graduating in May with a degree in communications.

What is the Promise Program?

The Promise Program is a program federally funded by the Department of Education, dedicated to guiding students with the help of academic coaches, counselors, and tutors as they strive to earn their bachelor’s degree at Mount Mary University. The Promise Program is geared towards first generation students, low-income students, and students with disabilities. The staff within the program are always willing to listen to students, no matter what the topic is. Even if students need a shoulder to cry on, counselors and others are always willing to listen, advise, and support.

The Director of the Promise Program

Vickie Leflore, who is the director of the Promise Program, understands the importance of guidance and listening to students. She graduated with a degree at UWM, but she wishes she was able to be more of an “advocate for herself.” She also wishes that a Promise Program was available to her, because of how much support it grants students. From financial help, to academics, and even expanding out to help students emotionally, the Promise Program is open to students who meet the qualifications, and Vickie Leflore looks forward to helping any incoming students who need it