ATLANTA (AP) — Sechita McNair faced one of the most challenging summers of her life. Her family didn't take any vacations, her vehicle was repossessed, and they narrowly avoided eviction once again. Yet, with school approaching, McNair's main goal was clear: to secure a stable home for her eldest son, Elias, so he could continue at his high school.
After working extra hours driving for Uber and receiving rental assistance, McNair found a three-bedroom apartment in their former neighborhood, allowing Elias to attend school without the disruption of switching campuses. However, the stress of relocating into a new apartment, especially one that felt different from its online appearance, began to surface.
This past year, they had already been through so much – crippling grief, including losing family members and the chaos of evictions. Elias struggled academically due to these emotional burdens, failing two classes in his freshman year. As the school year began, both mother and son were anxious. While Sechita cheered Elias on, he slipped into despair, feeling that school was still uninteresting, despite the fresh start.
Balancing being a single parent and a full-time worker, McNair struggled to support Elias's educational needs amidst the pressures of maintaining the household. After enjoyable days at school, Elias began to show signs of distress, including difficulties arising from late-night gaming habits. McNair worries deeply about Elias's future, feeling the weight of their challenges on her shoulders.
Her determination to provide a better life and education for her children serves as the backbone of the family's fight against adversity, as she seeks to navigate these storms while ensuring that her children have access to the resources necessary for a stable and successful future.
