Lakesha Malette Luma recently received her master’s degree in school counseling from Loyola University Maryland.

Luma’s story is one of persevering through hardship by faith to obtain her goals.

Luma is a 2000 graduate of Nansemond River High School. She later attended Virginia State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in December 2004.

However, three days after Luma’s graduation, her younger sister, Naomi Nicole Malette, died in a car accident.

Luma continued to seek the Lord for guidance, said her mother, Joyce Malette.

Luma went on to marry and have a baby girl, Semaiah, who is now 3 years old.

The Malettes said they are proud of their daughter because they did not have the opportunity to receive a master’s degree, but always wanted that chance for their two daughters. Even though Naomi did not get to fulfill her dream, Joyce Malette said, she is looking down on her sister with a smile.

Naomi’s legacy is living on through a scholarship at Virginia State University and a book, “A New Beginning,” by Joyce Malette. The book also includes stories from her father, sister, other family and friends.