Claudia L. Edwards is a woman who has jumped over all the obstacles in her way. Edwards stood before students and faculty in Ryan Library on March 24 and shared her story with the Iona College community that her high school professor told her that she would amount to nothing.

The only thing he predicted for her is that she would be pushing a carriage six months after her high school gradation. Despite his harsh expectations of her, Edwards said that she thanks him because he motivated her to be ambitious. “Never let anyone predict your future,” she said.

Edwards’ professor could not have been more wrong about her. She holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the Fordham University Graduate School of Education, a Masters of Urban Planning from the New York University Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service, a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from Purchase College, and an Associates of Arts degree from Bronx Community College.

She has a book coming out this summer titled, “Who Stole Public Schools From The Public?” Edwards’ primary research is about public schools of Mount Vernon. An alarming 40 percent of high school students from Mount Vernon do not graduate.

Edwards’ case study explained that urban community schools are struggling because the parents and taxpayers do not realize that they own and have an impact on the schools. The notion of mediocrity is very high because educators and administrators within the school do not believe that their students will succeed. Edwards surveyed the students, residents, parents, political officials, and others.

Edwards discovered that people do care but have lost faith in the school district. Unfortunately, the tolerance for violence and crime is very high. Currently, Mount Vernon is ill equipped for the important role of self-governance. There appears to be an erosion of public trust.

As part of her survey, Edwards asked a variety of people, “Who owns the public school?” According to statistics, less than 20 percent of the community believed that they own the schools.

Edwards is working in the Ministry in Mount Vernon because it has a strong record in identifying issues and pulling the community together to demand more from the school district officials. There is a large congregation that has made a positive influence on the community.

The role of women is vital in education. Across the United States, the percentage of women graduating from college is rising. However, in Mount Vernon there are many young women who are struggling to even graduate high school.

Edwards succeeds in being a role model for women and a beacon of the community. There are so many people who can not aspire to go to college because they do not have an opportunity. Edwards’ goal is to create such opportunities.

Towards the end of the presentation Edwards mentioned a book titled, “The Cost We Pay,” which states that there is a cost for every child who does not graduate. It is a social cost, as it is a detriment to our overall society. It is in the best interest of the country as a whole if everyone gets the best education possible, and Edwards is working to ensure that this happens