By Anderson Colemon/south news editor

Inspiration can come in a lot of shapes and forms, but for the African-American community of TCC, the inspiration comes from those closest to them.

NE office assistant Rosemary Ward-Wilson said her inspiration is her mother because she is the strongest black woman on earth. Wilson said her mother had to deal with abuse.

By Anderson Colemon/south news editor

“I’ve seen her go through a lot of hardships in my life, and when I went through hardships, she gave me advice,” she said. “She taught me how to forgive. She is my rock.”

On TR Campus, Deandre Burton and Antwonette Simpson said their views on inspiration come from society and social equality.

“You find inspiration in the most unexpected places,” Burton said. “I saw a homeless man on the bus encouraging a student to stay in school and not to give up because that’s how he ended up where he is now.”

Burton said he believes that day in today’s society, ideas should no longer be inspired racially.

Simpson said Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. inspired her because they stood up for what they believed in.

“He didn’t let anything stop him,” she said about King. “He pushed us to do whatever we want to. Ever since they started the movement, we can live free. I’m really excited about moving forward. Everything has been changing.”

One SE student was inspired by her children’s needs after her parents did the same for her.

When Rachel Jackson was younger, her dad was a single parent, and because of him, she decided to pursue her education. Jackson said she wants to make him proud.

“I want to have a better life and be able to support my family,” she said.

SE education major Jessica Rand said her mom is her inspiration.

“My mom went to school when there was four of us,” Rand said. “Now, I go to school for my son.”

NE staff member Bassey Bassey said his inspiration comes from the possibility of advancement.

“The endless opportunity to strive for knowledge comes from my family that values education,” he said. “And to fill in those gaps of knowledge, I can contribute to the community.”

Miriam Salter, a South Campus student, said his girlfriend inspires him to do his best in school.

“My girlfriend drives herself to go to class and works really hard to achieve her goals,” he said. “So it inspires me to complete my goals.”

Coordinator of public information Rita Parson said her father was her inspiration.

“Samuel Booker — if someone were to look at his beginnings and saw what the Lord blessed him with, you wouldn’t expect that.” Parson said. “He ended his career as the regional director of the office of education in Dallas.”

Parson’s father grew up during the years of segregation where he had to walk past other schools to get to his.

“He inspires me because he understands the value of an education,” she said. “He overcame unfair treatment along the way in order to support his family. He’s a great father.”