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Elijah Dorroh of Maple Heights

College Student at Harvard University

"I would tell MyCom youth to never be afraid to ask for help. Throughout my youth and even today, sometimes asking for assistance can be daunting, but every time I’ve done, I’ve always grown and learned to become my best self. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help along the way." Elijah

Meet Elijah Dorroh!

Elijah is from the MyCom Region of Maple Heights and a former member of Youth Connect 216. We took the time to interview Elijah to learn more about who he is and how the MyCom Network helped him get to Harvard University!

High School Graduation: 2022

Anticipated College Graduation: Harvard University 2026

Ysian: Elijah, tell us a little bit about you, where are you from, what school did you attend, ect..

Elijah: I am a Cleveland native and attended a public Cleveland middle school before attending, University School for high school.

Ysian: How did you get interested in the MyCom network and mission?

Elijah: During my time at University School, I recognized my passion for community service, specifically catered towards the advancement of youth.

Ysian: Once you figured out your passion, how did it help you on your path to Harvard?

Elijah: I’ve participated in many youth programs, one of them being YouthConnect 216 where I served for about 1.5 years. Through this program I gained many skills, such as leadership skills through training and facilitating workshops, and interpersonal skills gained through trainings such as Trauma Informed Care. Currently, I am a first-year at Harvard University, studying Cognitive Neuroscience and Evolutionary Psychology, with aspirations to go to med school after I graduated in 2026.

Ysian: What are the lessons you were able to take-away from your time with MyCom and the MyCom Network?

Elijah: Through MyCom I have gained invaluable experience in how to be a leader and team player. We talked about a collective leadership format where everyone is able to display their skills for the attainment of a unified goal, and through Youth Connect 216 I was able to see that format come to fruition. I continue to use the skills in my day-to-day life as I lead, learn, and grow.

Ysian: What encouragement would you share with MyCom Youth Today?

Elijah: I would tell MyCom youth to never be afraid to ask for help. Throughout my youth and even today, sometimes asking for assistance can be daunting, but every time I’ve done, I’ve always grown and learned to become my best self. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help along the way.

Testimonials

“MyCom Youth Development Initiative aims to engage via education, such amazing out-of-school opportunities as they recognize that youth who are bullied are more likely to feel disconnected from school."

Curtis Benjamin
"MyCom has extended hundreds of youth exceptional opportunities to grow, expand their knowledge and express their voice in so many ways. I can honestly say that the youth are not the only ones who are learning, growing and having wonderful exposure opportunities. This adult is a beneficiary of countless blessing as well."

Brenda Pryor

MyCom Coordinator
"It was amazing, and really made me think of my community more, and how I can change it"

Brandan Newton

Anton Grdina FLOW Participant

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MyCom will enact our mission with race and equality at the forefront of our work as we always have. We will use our thought-leadership, funding, advocacy, and network to redesign service delivery. Together we will rethink infrastructure and create solutions that eliminate access to healthcare, cyclical poverty, access to quality education, housing stability, and other barriers that have impacted black lives.