The July Issue // Features // Aspirational Aid

Aspirational Aid

Tyra Gives Back

 

When I first started modeling I wanted to give back to all the people that helped shape me. I had and still have so many dreams for my future and the future's of the people that look up to me. When I was 19 years old I told my mom I wanted to start a scholarship program at Immaculate Heart High School (my alma mater).  She thought it was a great idea, but was worried we  didn't have much money to give (told ya I just started out!). We called up the school and they said they loved the idea and want other girls to be inspired.

For every scholarship rewarded, they have the trustee come to present the check to the principal. I wore this goofy fisherman hat with some old t-shirt. My Ma told me I should dress nice as it's very important, but I just shrugged it off and stuck with my bummy outfit. It is an all girls school and since we weren't trying to impress boys, I never dressed up to go to school. I figured why start now? When we got to the school they told me they were going to take a picture of me giving the principal the check! I was mortified, but I put on a smile and went with it. Ma' was right and while I was smiling on the outside, I was cringing on the inside. The photo was published all over the newspapers!

Even though I was embarrassed of the photo (I get a good laugh at it now), I'm so proud to have helped the girls make their dreams a reality.  Every year since I was 19 I have given scholarships to pay for high school tuitions. The girls write to me and tell me how they are enjoying school which makes me so happy! Helping these girls really is a dream come true for me.

Arlene Ponack

My daughter saw on the show you were giving scholarships for moms who are struggling and going back to school. I can't find it on your web site.

Sarah Agg
Norwich

I love the fact you did this right at the beginning, you didn't wait until you'd 'made it' or were earning big money. We can't do everything but we can all do something.

Asiya Abdul-Rahman
Kumasi

What a wonderful and inspirational person you are Ms TyTy, i'm proud of you and wish you long life and prosperity. You touch people's heart and life in every corner that is what a true diva is.

Kenny Japheth SC
Kuala Lumpur

when i get rich i want to do the same too.. when i was 20, a year after i left my school,all of my friends got a place in university, i did not. I could have worked elsewhere that paid higher but i did not, i chose to go ... morewhen i get rich i want to do the same too.. when i was 20, a year after i left my school,all of my friends got a place in university, i did not. I could have worked elsewhere that paid higher but i did not, i chose to go back to my high school, an all boys' school and asked for a position as a teacher.. I asked for chemistry, I got it. I went online and dug interesting experiments for the kids. When I look back at it, I couldn't help to smile...

Hugs

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jada riveras
philadelphia
Pennsylvania

I see what you mean but you still love breathtakingly beautiful

Narniah Bunny Khushboo keyz
Nairobi

tyra great job and we love coz u love everybody. mwaaaaaaaaaaah

T.A. Young

wow! I can't say this enough about you...you are an amazing soul! the bible says when you have pity on the poor you are lending to God (Prov19:17)...I think you have reached "angel" hood... the bible also says...human b ... morewow! I can't say this enough about you...you are an amazing soul! the bible says when you have pity on the poor you are lending to God (Prov19:17)...I think you have reached "angel" hood... the bible also says...human beings are only slightly lower than angels (Hebrews 2:7)... I love you and your mom...you're both amazing...

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mechelle allen

Tyra, I am 52 years old,but I watch you and you have a sweet spirit and soul.It shows. We just know these things. I am the 1 that has emailed you about 4 times.I am a Disabled Gulf War Veteran. My life is about as bad as ... moreTyra, I am 52 years old,but I watch you and you have a sweet spirit and soul.It shows. We just know these things. I am the 1 that has emailed you about 4 times.I am a Disabled Gulf War Veteran. My life is about as bad as it can get. I have entered every give away i can for my daughter,Ebony. I just pray for someone to see it and reach ouit.Ebony has no idea I do this for her,she would be so embarrassed,as I am,but things are so bad, I just don't know where to turn.I have my church and they help but it is so hard.At x-mas,I tried so hard,didn't work,she got a card.I served this country,Mechelle

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camelia garrett
Marina Del rey
California

Tyra you are such an inspiration It's crazy... I look up to you so much. God indeed has plans for you :) I have this thing when I walk pass homeless people I cant help but give them money. You never know their circumstan ... moreTyra you are such an inspiration It's crazy... I look up to you so much. God indeed has plans for you :) I have this thing when I walk pass homeless people I cant help but give them money. You never know their circumstances so a little bit goes a long way.

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Nopasika Constance
Cape Town
Missouri

Hi tyra , i just join now , coz i love , love , love your show . My name is Constance and im staying in South Africa , Westrn Cape in Cape Town . Im inspired buy you How you become, what you are today that motivated me t ... moreHi tyra , i just join now , coz i love , love , love your show . My name is Constance and im staying in South Africa , Westrn Cape in Cape Town . Im inspired buy you How you become, what you are today that motivated me to do what im dreaming to do . I will tell you more about it when we Chart . Love yaaaaa

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Sherl Rehn

I'm on a fixed income but about two weeks ago a woman came up to me at a Walgreens parking lot asking if I could give her some money so she could get her prescription filled. She was living in her car and although I cou ... moreI'm on a fixed income but about two weeks ago a woman came up to me at a Walgreens parking lot asking if I could give her some money so she could get her prescription filled. She was living in her car and although I could only give her $5 she was very happy. You don't have to be rich you just have to care not only about family & friends but community too.

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NELLIE BUNDY
London

gal.. your smile is priceless.. God bless you and may he countinue give you grace. i have dreams that i hope one day i will have realised. you know they say charity begins at home? well - there is alot i want to do for ... moregal.. your smile is priceless.. God bless you and may he countinue give you grace. i have dreams that i hope one day i will have realised. you know they say charity begins at home? well - there is alot i want to do for my closest and dearest... be blessed x

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alyssa goses
regina
Saskatchewan

Some day I would love to be in a position where I can change people lives, Like you I will help young women, and kids by just being a good example and role model like you .it's not how you look in the picture but, what y ... moreSome day I would love to be in a position where I can change people lives, Like you I will help young women, and kids by just being a good example and role model like you .it's not how you look in the picture but, what you did. Thank you Tyra and may GOD continue to bless you and your family.
love your #1 fan alyssa alsow now en as alissa

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Mya Bridgeforth
San Antonio
Texas

And I will someday be like u Ty<333!! I would love to help change peoples livess. I help out with the little I do have because I see u Tyra helping out. It's just inspiring me moreeee to become a better person, More like ... moreAnd I will someday be like u Ty<333!! I would love to help change peoples livess. I help out with the little I do have because I see u Tyra helping out. It's just inspiring me moreeee to become a better person, More like u.

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fancylady Attansey

Good job girl, you still look beautiful both inside and out, that's what matters.

Tyra Carmon
Charlotte NC

Wow that is so great of you that you are helping other people that are in need. You are a compassionate person, and a HUGE role model to so many people. LIKE ME!!! I always look up to even when I was a tiny baby, and sti ... moreWow that is so great of you that you are helping other people that are in need. You are a compassionate person, and a HUGE role model to so many people. LIKE ME!!! I always look up to even when I was a tiny baby, and still am. I used to watch your covergirl commericals over and over Lol I watched them so much my mothers recored them Lol. You are so strong at everything you do, and you never keep your head down, you always look up and never give upi at what you believev in. You always tried to get your point across. And that's what I LOVEEE about you tyra. I LOVE U SO MUCH! ♥

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Dana Dain Brown
Houston
Texas

P.S it's not how you look in the picture but, what you did. Thank you Tyra and may GOD continue to bless you and your family.

Dana Dain Brown
Houston
Texas

Some day I would love to be in a position where I can change people lives, Like you I will help young women by just being a good example and rolemodel.

Rosalind Matthews
Miami
Florida

Gurl u still look awesome to me, look at that beautiful smile. Luv ya, know matter what, Fat, Bummy clothes, 5 head what ever u still my gurl. ;-)

Aisha Toby

Lesson learned on how to always look your best! You can kinda see the 'I can't believe this is happening right now' look on your face. heehee Great pic though! :) Love that you're making a difference in the lives of th ... moreLesson learned on how to always look your best! You can kinda see the 'I can't believe this is happening right now' look on your face. heehee Great pic though! :) Love that you're making a difference in the lives of the youth.

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