LaTangela Phillips

HCC graduate leaps over life's roadblock
The Union-News Holyoke News Monday, June 11, 2001
By Nancy H. Gonter
Holyoke

Sixteen months ago, LaTangela V. Phillips arrived for the first time in this city, because there was space in a homelessshelter here. Broke after being unable to work because of an accident, Phillips brought with her two daughters, then 10 and 5. But things have changed for Phillips. Earlier this month, she received a host of awards as she graduated with an associate's degree in human services from Holyoke Community College.

In the fall, she will be a Frances Perkins Scholar at Mount Holyoke College. Phillips, 31, had never heard of Holyoke before workers in Boston's overcrowded shelters sent her here after she and her daughters, Tanginea L. Phillips, now 12, and Brea S. Phillips, now 7, were evicted from their apartment in Cambridge. They spent more than two months in the Main Street shelter here before finding an apartment on Farnum Drive. And Phillips, who previously had attended Massasoit Community College in Brockton, also found HCC. "I knew I wanted to go to school. I just couldn't do (anything). I felt like I was put out here for a reason. I felt going to school was the reason," she said.

Going to school full time for the last year and raising her children hasn't been easy, especially because finances are so tight. But her time at HCC and in this area have changed her. "I'm more focused. I have more confidence in myself and in other people," Phillips said. She has made good friends who push her to succeed when she is on the verge of quitting. What's more, she has become a more responsible parent, student and employee.

Going to a college like Mount Holyoke was the last thing on her mind when she started at HCC. But another HCC graduate who is attending Mount Holyoke, Rhonda Soto, and HCC English Professor Rashna Singh encouraged her so she applied and was offered a full scholarship. Phillips, who will major in African-American and African studies, would like to become an interpreter for the deaf and advocate for parents of deaf children. Her dream is to go to Africa and teach American Sign Language, which she has studied at HCC. Phillips said she hopes other people who have hard times can learn from her success. "No matter how hard things may be, do what you have to do to find yourself. People need to get in touch with themselves and pursue their goals," she said.

© 2001 Union News