Where Is She Now? Catching up with Scholarship Winner and Educator Mikyah Tabb

Every so often, it’s interesting to check in on people whose stories reflect persistence and steady growth over time. That’s the case with Mikyah Tabb, an Andrea R. Lacy Grit Award Scholarship winner and native of Richmond, Virginia. Mikyah’s story is especially inspiring as she took the path from student to educator, coming full circle in a meaningful way.

Mikyah grew up on the south side of Richmond and attended Richmond public schools through high school. Today, she works within that same school system as a fifth grade exceptional education teacher, supporting students in the community that helped shape her.

She describes herself as a first-generation college graduate on her dad’s side and a second-generation college graduate on her mom’s side. While education was valued in her family, the process of applying for scholarships and preparing financially for college was still unfamiliar territory for her.

Once she realized how important scholarships would be for her college journey, she began applying to as many as possible. Like many students, she experienced a lot of rejection along the way. Applications took time and energy, and many did not lead anywhere. Still, she continued applying.

Eventually, she received the Andrea R. Lacy Grit Award Scholarship, becoming one of its first recipients. For Mikyah, the scholarship meant more than financial assistance. After so many unsuccessful applications, it was encouraging to know that someone believed in her potential and recognized the effort she had been putting in.

The scholarship helped her pay for books during her freshman year at Spelman College, an expense that can become difficult for many students to manage. While textbooks may seem like a smaller part of college costs, they can quickly add up, especially during the first year. Mikyah greatly appreciated receiving the award and the reassurance it gave her during a time when she was trying to adjust to college life and manage the financial realities that came with it.

At Spelman, Mikyah continued developing her interest in education and service. Her college experience exposed her to new perspectives and opportunities, while also reinforcing the importance of community support and mentorship.

After graduating, she returned to Richmond to begin her teaching career. Her decision to return to the same school system she grew up in feels consistent with the values she talked about when discussing her journey. Rather than moving away from the community that raised her, she chose to contribute to it in a direct way.

Working in exceptional education comes with unique responsibilities. Teachers in these roles often work closely with students who need additional academic support, individualized learning approaches, and patience throughout the learning process. The work requires flexibility, communication, and consistency on a daily basis.

For Mikyah, that role also carries personal significance. She understands the importance of having educators who invest in students and encourage them to keep moving forward. She understands that many students may not always know what opportunities are available to them or where to begin when planning for the future. That perspective helps her connect with students in a practical and relatable way. Rather than presenting success as something simple or guaranteed, her story reflects persistence, patience, and learning through experience.

Mikyah’s journey isn't just about finishing a degree; it’s about the power of returning home with a mission. “Attending Spelman gave me a sense of pride and a vision that was bigger than myself,” Mikyah shares. “The Grit Award didn’t just buy my books—it was a message that I belonged in those halls. Now, being back in the same Richmond classrooms where I once sat, I realize I’m not just a teacher; I’m a living reminder to my students that they don't have to leave their community to find success—they can be the success their community needs.” From scholarship applicant to Spelman graduate to exceptional education leader, Mikyah’s story reflects the transformative power of investing in local talent.

Grit Award scholarship applications are now open. Learn more and apply today.