By Jeff Wilson

Malia Lester wants to help people the way scholarships donors have helped her.

While attending high school in Cairo, Illinois, Malia’s life was changed forever by tragedy. After getting her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Eastern Illinois University, she’s now pursuing master’s degree in social work from SIU.

“My high school boyfriend committed suicide, and that led to questions about why it happened,” she said. “He needed someone to talk to, and I knew I wanted to make sure others had someone they can trust.”

Lester received the C.L. Pete & Margaret Odum Memorial Scholarship, and the timing was particularly meaningful.

“I’m living at home right now to save money. My dad passed away in 2021, and he had been contributing to my education,” she said. “The scholarship took a lot of financial stress off me. It felt like a sign. It felt like someone was looking out for me.”

Lester is an intern at Johnson, Alexander, Massac, Pulaski (JAMP) Special Education Services, which also has a bit of special meaning to her.

“When I was in high school, there was a junior high student who wouldn’t calm down until she talked to me,” she said. “She was a JAMP student. I’m going to miss my first set of kids when my internship ends.”

She and her fiancé plan to move to Charleston after graduation, and that’s where she hopes to begin a long career helping people in need.

“Honestly, I don’t care where I end up as long as I’m doing something I love,” she said.

The support she received from SIU and its donors is something that will stick with her well beyond her time as a student.

“It’s awesome that alumni donate,” she said. “It took so much financial stress off my shoulders. As a first-generation student, I was figuring it out on my own.”