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Being a single mother of five, attending college miles away from home with no family or help isn’t stopping Michelle Cade from pursuing her goals at Johnson C. Smith University.

PHOTO/CURTIS WILSON

Michelle Cade, a junior at Johnson C. Smith University, took a leap of faith to move to Charlotte in pursuit of a college education. She did it for her children: (from left) Kristopher Brown Jr. 13, Krista Brown 9, Mehki Hawk 6, Kris'Sean Brown 12 and Gerald Hawk III, 3.

In 2010, seeing little future for her family and herself in Detroit, Cade, 35, was convinced that Charlotte was destiny for her.  With only $1,100 in her pocket, she packed her belongings, put her kids in her van and drove to Charlotte.

When Cade arrived, she had to think fast in order to provide shelter for her family.  She checked into Microtel on Sugar Creek with only enough funds to last a week. She wondered how she was going to make it.

She did what she does in most difficult situations.  She prayed. 

“I asked God to give me a sign,” she said. 

At the end of her first week in Charlotte, her prayers were answered.  She found an apartment in the Hidden Valley neighborhood, and the manager waived the security deposit. It has been this kind of faith that has allowed Cade to make it to her second year at JCSU.

Before attending JCSU, Cade, a junior communications major, attended Clark Atlanta University but dropped out after her freshmen year. At the time the mother of two was unable to focus completely on her studies and became distracted by the social life and freedom she had acquired in college. She moved back to Detroit but in her heart she knew she had a purpose to fulfill.  When she finally decided to return to school Cade purposely chose a historically black college.

“I felt it was important to return back to an HBCU,” Cade said. “Historically black colleges have always made me feel at home, something I was missing in my upbringing.”

After attending Central Piedmont College for a couple of semesters, Cade enrolled at JCSU in August. “I wanted to be a positive example for my children,” she said. “How could I honestly tell them to go to college if I had never graduated from college?” Her children – who range in ages from 13 to 3 – are her source of motivation when times get rough.

For most college students, campus life is filled with parties, socializing and having as much fun as possible. For Cade, it’s a little different.
Weekday mornings, she gets her children ready for school and daycare. After school she cooks dinner, helps with homework, and gets the children ready for bed. Afterwards she can study and have some alone time.

“It’s rough being in college with kids,” Cade said. “It is very stressful and I often miss my family. But this process has shown me how strong I am.”

She also is involved in extracurricular activities. Cade is a member of JCSU’s Toastmaster’s club and president of the National Association of Black Journalists. That involvement helps Cade maintain a social life on campus. She is employed in the before and after school program with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Her outspoken and insistent nature has helped her build strong relationships on campus with administration and faculty. One professor offered her assistance with finding a summer internship, while another faculty member met with her to discuss locating scholarships and grants.

At the start of the fall semester, Cade struggled to secure money to buy books and pay off her student account balance. To make matters worse, her van was stolen, forcing her to sometimes walk to school. One day she cried the entire walk to campus.

“Once my car was stolen I was completely ready to give up and return home,” she recalled.

But Cade has learned how to maneuver around town and often gets rides to work and school. Classmates have provided a helping hand by driving her home, but the lack of transportation has proven to be trying. She has even had to remove her kids from some school activities because she doesn’t have a reliable ride.

Why does Cade continue to pursue her education amidst these struggles? She wants a better life for her family.

“My children are my biggest blessing,” she said, “and my blessing to them is giving them a better life.”

A mother of one girl and four boys, Cade always makes time in her busy schedule to spend time with her children. Her children are also a big help to her. Her oldest two sons help out by babysitting the younger children and helping to get them ready for school. 

Cade says she couldn’t have made it this far by herself. She credits JCSU English professor Cheryl Brayboy with helping her along the way.

“Mrs. Brayboy helps to expand my mind, pushes me to be a better student and gives me one on one attention,” Cade said. “I know she cares not only about my education, but she cares about me being a mother as well.”

Said Brayboy: “Michelle Cade is one of the most dedicated students I have had the pleasure of knowing. “Michelle is a sharp thinker who does not allow hard times to get in the way of success. I truly admire her energy and drive.”

 

Comments

LOVE YOU MICHELLE. I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH YOU FOR TWO YEARS AND YOU ARE A GREAT AND WONDERFUL PERSON.

Posted on April 23, 2013

It has been my pleasure to have seen the determination in this young lady. Will and determination can take you further than you think. That is evident in the journey that Michelle has taken. NO matter that start the life has given you, it is the finish line that counts!!!! I will be cheering you sling the way and plan to be at the finish line when you get that JCSU "Sheepskin". Keep believing, keep praying and keep your faith. Your efforts will not go unnoticed!!! Be encouraged my sister!!

Posted on January 29, 2013

Wow! Michelle Cade is truly an amazing woman. I knew it from the moment I met her on the campus of the school for the enrichment program for my daughter. She is full of love, compassion, knowledge, strength and it pours out as she interacts with the students as well as the parents. Michelle possesses several beautiful gifts from God and she displays them all uniquely and gracefully. I am in FULL awe with her testimony and extremely proud of her and consider it a honor to know her. My daughter adores her and I'm grateful she is under her care as I reap "residual" blessings that Michelle isn't even aware of. I position myself to witness first hand wonderful things from her in all that she pursues as well as her beautiful children. Hats Off!!!! Kudos!!!! To God be the glory in ALL things!

Posted on January 24, 2013

Big Ups for you, LaConteau! Harrisburg, PA is so proud of you!

Posted on January 23, 2013

Very inspirational!Wonderful article! I wish her and her family the best. She is a strong woman! Love the article Connie! Just like Michelle, you have been tested by faith (no pun intended) as well! Best of wishes to you awell! -T. Clark (Hbg,Pa)

Posted on January 23, 2013

I have the great pleasure of knowing Michelle. To say that she is determined is an understatement. She is driven by faith. I am so proud of you. You are an inspiration to all.

Posted on January 18, 2013

I am so proud of you Michelle You are such an awesome testimony... I want you to be so blessed because of your determination and faith.

Posted on January 17, 2013

Keep up the good work Michelle

Posted on January 17, 2013

What a wonderful and touching story!! Provision and destiny to follow you Michelle.

Posted on January 17, 2013