She wants to be an example for others to follow their dreams!
Fantasia Barrino Taylor is an accomplished singer, songwriter and actress. Rising to fame as a contestant on the hit show American Idol, Fantasia had previously dropped out of high school before becoming an overnight success, People reports. In 2010 she received her GED and now more than a decade later, she has announced she is returning to school, enrolling at Ohio-based HBCU, Central State University.
“I’m a businesswoman now and I desire to continue to sharpen my sword and better my craft,” the singer told reporters.
She credits her 3 children and family with inspiring her to return to school, noting that it was important to her to follow her dreams despite her previous setbacks in life.
“I want to break generational curses. When it comes to my family, my girls, my children, I want to show them that no matter what she’s been through, you can always get back and go after it again, and that’s what I am doing,” said Fantasia.
Since her time on American Idol, Fantasia has enjoyed a nearly two decade career in the business, garnering numerous awards and accolades and expanding her imprint to Broadway and film, recently being cast in Winfrey’s upcoming Color Purple movie. Fantasia also just became an honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority and says it’s important to use her platform to inspire others to keep going.
“I want to be the example, I want to use my platform, my social media, to show people – men, women, Black, white, young, old – that if you have a dream, it doesn’t have to have a timeline. It doesn’t have to look a certain way and, in fact, looks better when it has a bunch of bruises and scars because that means you fought for it,” she explained.
While she knows returning to school will be a challenge, she’s looking forward to eagerly meeting the moment just as she’s always done and earning her degree in business.
“My grandmother used to tell me anything worth having is worth fighting for and I want other people to see that if you just stay in the ring, you’ll get to where you’re going,” she exclaimed.
Fantasia took to social media to announce her enrollment and share a video of the special moment alongside her sorority sisters, writing “I want to thank everyone who was a part of making this happen for me and working with my busy schedule. Special thanks to my Sorors…for connecting me with the amazing staff at Central State.”
Congratulations Fantasia! We are so proud of you!
Cover photo: Singer Fantasia is returning to school, enrolling at HBCU Central State University/Photo Courtesy of Paul Morigi/FilmMagic