This issue we’re honoring a citizen of the world who recently visited Kent County: Terarai Trent.
Monday, March 4 was a cold, dreary evening in Chestertown. Washington College, however, was radiating a message of hope with an evening discussion featuring Dr. Tererai Trent.
Dr. Trent discussed her early life and her quest for education.
Education was primarily for males in her homeland of Zimbabwe. She was married off at the age of 14 and by 18 had given birth to four children. She felt hopeless about ever achieving higher education until an unlikely encounter with Jo Luck from Heifer International encouraged her to dream.
With the support of her mother and her community, Dr. Trent was able to earn her GED through Ph.D. Her arduous path to educational success brought her recognition and her story was featured on Oprah Winfrey’s show in 2011. Oprah generously donated $1.5 million toward the construction of schools for women and girls in Zimbabwe.
Dr. Trent interwove stories from her past with inspiring messages about how all dreams can be achievable, no matter your background or economic status. Her uplifting message of resilience and bravery ignited inspiration to all who attended. The event was moderated by Heather Mizeur, CEO of the #WeAreOne Alliance, who will be joining forces with Dr. Trent to help secure clean drinking water for students in Matsu, Zimbabwe.
Signed copies of Dr. Trent’s acclaimed biography, The Awakened Woman, are available at the Bookplate in Chestertown, 112 S. Cross St.
