January 2010: Aspirational Aid

Aspirational AidTyra 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.