Anitra Smith has always fought the undertow of East Oakland’s streets. She remembers the instability brought on by constant moves between low-cost motels and hotels. Her family was thrown into a tailspin by the death of her father in 1999. The undertow claimed her sister Vernita, who turned to drugs and prostitution and died at the age of 22. Her brother dropped out of middle school. Her mother struggled with her own demons of grief and loss.

But Anitra is resilient to the core, and found in school the solid ground her family could not provide. She tries to think about the positive things and uses that as an example to inspire her. Anitra is an outstanding student at Oakland High where she takes a full load of science and math classes and serves as Commissioner of Education.

Anitra’s teachers praise her leadership skills. She started a project to recognize the school’s “student of the month,” and organized a college scholarship fair. She also works two jobs after school to help keep her family afloat. But Anitra has discovered the way to a brighter future is through education. The streets still tug at her, and she plans to return to them; to serve as a doctor.

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