 Success:
Taska Randolph
Made a Difference to That One!
Spring, 2006
Summary:
Taska Randolph is well on her way to fulfilling her dream of being a doctor.
She has overcome a difficult family background, with both her parents in
prison. With the help of the Cumberland Good Samaritans' scholarship program and
her own hard work, she has succeeded in college and now medical school.
 Taska
Randolph could not understand why her parents never maintained a job for very
long. She was never allowed to be involved with school or extracurricular
activities, until one day it became clear what was going on in her family. At
an early age she learned that her mom and dad were abusing drugs. This pattern
would continue throughout her childhood.
The situation became unbearable for Taska and she moved out of the home at
age 16. She lived in her car for 2 and 1/2 months before being placed with her
pastor and his family. Through it all, Taska never gave up her dream of
completing high school and attending college.
While attending high school, Taska worked a part-time job and even made time
for volunteer work with several organizations.
Taska’s hard work and perseverance paid off. She graduated high school early
and began to make plans to attend Roane State Community College. But, how would
she pay for college? After discussing this with her pastor she learned that
Cumberland Good Samaritans offered scholarships to Roane State Community
College. Taska applied for and received a scholarship from Cumberland Good
Samaritans to attend college. She also received a scholarship from the Lake
Tansi Exchange Club. Her dream had been realized.
Taska was awarded Roane State’s highest award, the President’s award. Taska is
a pre-med major at Roane State. She is transferring to ETSU to continue her
education toward a degree in medicine.
While at Roane State, she had a perfect 4.0 grade point average and is very
active in student activities, having served as treasurer of the Student
Government Association. She has participated in the Honors program and is a
member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society.
Taska also was honorable mention for the Biology Award. She won an Academic
Achievement Award and was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior
Colleges.
Taska is a volunteer for several organizations and Cumberland Good Samaritans
is very fortunate to be one of those. She is a member of Tolletts Chapel United
Methodist Church.
Deborah Miles, associate professor of mathematics at Roane State had high
praises for Taska. "Taska is the embodiment of the reason I teach", she said.
"There is no doubt in my mind that Taska will be a doctor one day and will
reflect well on all the insitutions which helped her accomplish that feat."
Taska has accomplished much in 2 and 1/2 years. She is moving to Bristol,
Tennessee during her summer break. This will put her closer to ETSU. Her mother
and father are in prison but she hopes they will change so they can all be a
family someday.
Taska, we are very proud of all your accomplishments. Good Luck from everyone
at Cumberland Good Samaritans!
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