Longwood Tutors Come To You

Longwood, a neighborhood in the Bronx, is one of dozens of geographically small communities known for their internationally-diverse populations. This is a long-standing feature of life in the borough, which has been a popular place to settle for immigrants who come to the United States seeking employment in urban areas. Occasionally, immigrants will not only encounter success for themselves, but will see their children do great things from humble beginnings. Luther and Maud Powell, originally from Jamaica, likely had no idea that their son, Colin, would be one of those children.

Born in nearby Harlem, Colin Powell spent his childhood in south Bronx. In fact, the Powell family spent several years in Longwood, living on both Kelly Street and Fox Street. Maud Powell was a seamstress and Luther was a shipping clerk; both parents worked long hours for the family, like many of their fellow immigrant neighbors. Their son also worked hard in his youth as a clerk in a furniture store and errand runner for his observant Jewish neighbors who needed help on their Sabbath. Colin certainly saw the hard work of his parents, and recognized its value early on; he aspired to attend college after graduating from Morris High School in 1954. He did so, and went on to receive both a BA in Geology and an MBA after his first tour in Vietnam.

Powell entered military service shortly after graduating college, and made a career as a soldier. For his expertise, levelheadedness, and supreme leadership skills, Powell eventually advanced to the rank of general and was brought on to work in several political and administrative capacities throughout the 1980s and into the early 2000s. Under George W. Bush, Powell served as secretary of state from 2001-2005.

Powell is well-loved and respected by figures on both sides of the political aisle. His moderate positions and notable skills as a general have been an asset to the United States, and have no doubt brought pride to both of his parents. Did they have any idea who their son would become while they worked long hours in a tailor shop and on the loading docks of south Bronx? The story of Colin Powell is a story of uncommon success, but demonstrates that resilience and determination play significant roles in personal success.

Grade Potential tutors in Longwood recognize the untapped and endless potential in each of their clients; they encourage the same work ethic and drive demonstrated by native son Colin Powell, and bring that same enthusiasm to each of their sessions. With the help of a tutor, perhaps, even the student who struggles the most may find comparable levels of academic success.