Hi, my name is Camille Redman. I was born and raised here in Pittsburgh. I am the youngest in my family and am the second college educated in my immediate family following my older sister. I currently live with my girlfriend and our two dogs and will be soon starting my internship at a firm that has taken great care of me. Growing up in the inner city school system was rough for me in my younger years. A school resource officer helped me navigate the things I was dealing with inside of school and at home. I have always wanted to work in a field that would be of assistance to people since this man had essentially helped save my life.
When Covid hit my mom was sure that nursing school was my calling. She was aware of my want to help people and has always pushed me to pursue any dream I have ever had. Mortuary school was no different. Starting school in the height of the pandemic was scary but also solidified that I was in the right spot. Although I was scared, the will to help was greater. Going through this program has brought some trying times academically and personally. My perseverance to succeed and to prove those who doubted me wrong always overcame any feelings of wanting to quit.
Before school started, the death of George Floyd rocked the country. We were angry, we were tired and we wanted everyone to know that we see what is happening and we won’t stand for it. Peacefully, we gathered to march down West Liberty Avenue in an attempt to spread awareness of what happens daily across the country. The point was to encourage people to stand up for what they believed in and have their voices be heard by the same people in authority who are able to create the change we need within our community. As a group we called for change in local laws and constantly reminded people that if we don’t change our future we are bound to repeat our history. Every day I aim to encourage people about our struggles, what support we need and how they can be an ally. We don’t just need your support in times of protest, we need you support in times of peace as well. Not just this month but every month I encourage you to check in on those you love who look different than you or who may have different experiences than you. You never know the simple help you may be able to offer.
“So you don’t see my tools that I carry with me because it’s not on me; it’s in me.” – Lezley McSpadden; Mother of Michael Brown
