In a story of perseverance, determination, and unbreakable family bonds, the Lawrence sisters of New York City have defied the odds stacked against them. The six sisters, once homeless, are now on their way to becoming nurses, following a decade of uncertainty and hardship.
A Struggle for Stability
The Lawrence family’s life took a drastic turn in 2013 when their parents, David and Yonette, lost their home in Queens, New York. What followed was a challenging period of instability as the family moved from one relative’s or friend’s house to another, often facing difficult living conditions. “It was challenging,” said Lauren, 24. “There were a lot of very bumpy, depressing times.”
Despite the difficulties, David and Yonette were determined that their daughters’ education would not suffer. In 2015, David decided to take charge of their schooling, encouraging the sisters to enroll in a homeschool program. “He didn’t want what we were going through to hold us back,” said Dominique, 25. This decision marked the beginning of a journey that would transform their lives.
Turning the Tide
Against all odds, the Lawrence sisters thrived. In 2019, all six sisters earned their GEDs, a testament to their resilience and the strong support system they built within their family. “It’s been quite an adventure,” said Danielle, 22. “But what really pulled us through is our faith in God and in each other.”
From there, the sisters enrolled at Nassau Community College, where they excelled academically. After completing their studies at Nassau, they continued their education at SUNY Old Westbury, graduating in May with bachelor’s degrees in public health.
Pursuing Nursing Dreams
The journey of the Lawrence sisters did not stop at their undergraduate education. This past August, they began a master’s program in public health at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. They have set their sights on nursing school after completing their master’s degrees, with a collective dream of helping others as nurses. “We’re just getting started,” said Danielle, expressing the shared enthusiasm among her sisters.
The sisters’ experiences have fueled their passion for healthcare. “Going through what we did, living in different houses, sometimes in difficult conditions, it made us want to help others who are in need,” said Gabriella, 21. Their shared experiences have not only strengthened their bond but also solidified their commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
A Family’s Pride
David Lawrence is proud of his daughters, whose unity and perseverance have seen them through the toughest of times. “I’m so happy they’ve done this together,” he said. “I always tell them, ‘Life’s not fair. And when it throws you a curveball, you gotta adjust to it and keep going.’” The Lawrence sisters have certainly embodied their father’s advice, turning their challenges into motivation to succeed.
The sisters are hopeful that their story will inspire others facing similar hardships. “We want people to know that no matter how difficult things might seem, you can still achieve your dreams if you keep going and believe in each other,” said Alecsandria, 23. “We’re living proof of that.”
Looking to the Future
With their faith, family bond, and collective ambition, the Lawrence sisters are not only transforming their own lives but also setting a powerful example for others. Their journey from homelessness to pursuing careers in nursing underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the power of family support. As they move forward, the sisters dream of one day opening a nursing center together, where they can continue to serve their community and provide care for those in need.
Their story is one of hope, perseverance, and the unbreakable bonds of family. The Lawrence sisters show us that no matter how tough the journey, with determination and support, the dream of a better future is always within reach.
Souadou Niang’s journey from a housekeeper to the owner of a luxury boutique hotel is a story of perseverance, vision, and unwavering determination. Niang, who now owns the Palms Luxury Boutique Hotel in Dakar, Senegal, started her career at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the United States, cleaning rooms and toilets. Her journey is a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and the ability to overcome adversity.
Early Life and Move to the United States: Born and raised in Dakar, Senegal, Souadou Niang moved to the United States at the age of 18 to further her education. Initially, she settled in New York before moving to Washington, D.C., where she enrolled at Nova Community College in Virginia to study liberal arts and communication. In need of financial support for her studies, Niang began working as a housekeeper at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Tysons Corner, Virginia.
Climbing the Ranks at the Ritz-Carlton: Despite starting at the bottom, Niang’s ambition and passion for the hospitality industry drove her to excel. Her dedication and hard work paid off as she gradually climbed the ranks, transitioning from housekeeping to various roles across different departments. Eventually, she joined the management team at the Ritz-Carlton, gaining valuable experience in hotel operations and management. “I said one day I will go back to my country and show that luxury and quality of service can be achieved there,” Niang told BBC Africa. This vision became the cornerstone of her journey.
Returning Home to Senegal: In 2008, Niang made the decision to return to Senegal, motivated by a desire to reconnect her children with their Senegalese roots and to bring the luxury standards she had learned in the U.S. back to her homeland. However, her journey to becoming a hotel owner was not without its challenges. Despite her experience and vision, Niang faced numerous rejections from banks that considered her business idea too risky, mainly because she was a woman in a male-dominated industry. Nevertheless, her determination never wavered. Read more about Souadou Niang here.
