Yeah, it was just a huge relief, is all I can describe it as
MS. WHELAN: Yes, yes. It was just – it was a burden that I thought that I would just carry with me for forever. It seemed like I would never pay it off.
THE VICE PRESIDENT: And just as a person who experiences that kind of thing, in addition to what you do as a professional, I’m sure that that was an added weight that was lifted from you, to let your father know –
MS. PENDLETON: And then to also be able to have that time and space to be able to take care of your mother, who I understand –
MS. PENDLETON: – is ill and then losing your father as well. So, this has opened up some new possibilities for you.
MS. WHELAN: Yes, because I would normally work in the summer just to have some extra money. And now I’m able to –
Kelli Gray, you are the social work services manager at the Philadelphia Department of Human Services. And you work with people who are endangered, who are abused –
MS. PENDLETON: And yet, you have gone through the system – the school system, your daughters as well – everyone getting an education – in order to, once again, further your careers as public servants and work with the people that you work with.
MS. GRAY: Hello, my name is Kelli Monique Gray. I’m a proud public service worker for the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, also known as DHS, looking out for the welfare of children and a proud AFSCME member. That’s the union that I’m in.
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As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I know that children need an advocate and someone who sees them, and I can recognize what they’re going through when they don’t have a voice
My student debt story is like everybody else’s. I knew I wanted to better li- – I knew I wanted a better life for myself and my two wonderful twin daughters, one of whom, Monique, is here with me today. And I knew education was that path. So, I took a risk and took out debt. I got associate’s, a bachelor’s, a master’s, and I wanted a PhD. But, ultimately, I had to stop taking my PhD classes because I couldn’t afford any more debt.
Unfortunately – I just said that – after I got my first degree, I navigated into public service. First, elementary as a – first, elementary education teacher, helping children. Now I’m helping children in the social work field directly with DHS. I’ve also been at DHS for 13 years, and I have been a social worker for 20 years.
Giving direct care to children is beyond important to me. That’s a big part of why I chose public service. And I’m proud to say that both my daughters have followed in my footsteps also.
My education has been enabled me to publish two books. One intends to help survivors. When you have a path, you have a voice. So, my path gave me a path to the future.
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, and also the – it – it is a very difficult thing to lose a parent or anyone that you love
My other book is encouraging everyone to get out into the world and see it: “Pack Your Bags! We Are Going to Guinea, Africa: Exploring the World, One Country at a Time.”
I’m proud of both of my daughters. The process wasn’t easy at all. After graduating, my – and I had a parent PLUS loan. My daughter graduated from Spelman. She wanted to go to Spelman. She applied to 13 schools. She got all – accepted to all 13. But Spelman was her last choi- – I mean, Spelman was her fir- – Spelman was her first choice but her last acceptance, so she was going to ace- – settle at Xavier.
