Zaire Davidson grew up on the east side of Paterson, NJ surrounded by a loving family who instilled in him the values of faith, hard work, and empathy. His mother, a special education teacher, and his father, a skilled tradesman, worked diligently to support their family. Despite these efforts, Zaire faced significant challenges, particularly when his grandparents, who played a crucial role in his upbringing, developed cancer. The medical bills strained the family's financial situation even further.
Amidst these trials, Zaire's determination never wavered. He excelled academically, driven by a sense of responsibility to leverage his education to help others. When he was accepted to DePaul Catholic High School, the hefty tuition fee seemed like an insurmountable obstacle. However, inspired by his pastor's sermon on perseverance, Zaire wrote to the Dean of Admissions, which led to his introduction to the Tri-County Scholarship Fund.
Tri-County Scholarship Fund's support changed Zaire's life when he received the Freedom Scholarship, awarded to students who overcome significant hardships and excel academically. This scholarship not only made it possible for Zaire to attend DePaul but also provided ongoing support throughout his four years there. Zaire thrived in this nurturing environment, ultimately receiving acceptance letters from twelve colleges.
Zaire chose to attend Pace University in NYC, where he majored in Marketing Management with
a minor in Pre-Law and Economics. His academic journey didn't stop there; he recently completed his MBA and plans to attend law school. His goal is to become a lawyer who provides pro bono services to those lacking resources, embodying the very spirit of giving back that he experienced firsthand.
I want to provide opportunity to young people and to help those who don’t have the ability to help themselves —as Tri-County Scholarship Fund did for me
Today, Zaire continues to make a difference through internships that teach inner-city youth about civic engagement. His story exemplifies how Tri-County Scholarship Fund works to empower determined individuals to rise above their circumstances and create a ripple effect of positive change. As Zaire aspires to one day fund scholarships himself, his journey serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that belief and support can have on a student's potential.
"My story is full of people who wanted to see me to see me grow and become the man who I aspired to be. My family, church members, and Tri-County Scholarship Fund all believed in me. For me and other young people who have dealt with the pressures of living in poverty, taking on big responsibilities at a young age, or grieving over the illness and death of family members, we know that PRESSURE creates DIAMONDS. And there are many ‘diamonds in the rough’. All they need is an opportunity."- Zaire
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