Bush has worked with UAB for about 25 years. In that time, her door has been open to countless students. Being a mentor to students means much more to her than giving encouragement — she wants to leave a lasting impression in others’ lives. She wants students to say, “Oh, I remember her.” Bush’s drive to help students started when she was in church. A network of friends, relatives, and loved ones supported her throughout her life, but she says that not every student has that crucial network. She mentored Files throughout his academic career to uplift and encourage him. “Not everyone has a mom or dad or someone to lead them. I want to steer [kids] along the right path.”
For Files, Bush is a role model. He had personal struggles his senior year of college, and she was instrumental in helping him succeed, both academically and personally. He says that he was a troublemaker and he felt lost during his time at UAB. He wanted to drop out, but he went to speak with her before making the final decision.
Bush encouraged him to pursue education. “Martez is here for a purpose,” she says. “He’s a role model for others.”
Files graduated from UAB in December of 2014 with a degree in African American Studies, and he went on to graduate school at Brown University. He is one of many students who will never forget her. “Ms. Bush is humble,” he says. “She won’t talk about her awards, but she deserves recognition.”
Bush was “shocked and excited to receive the award,” she says, adding that it validates her purpose and “means that what I’m doing is right.”
As for the future, she says, “As long as I have breath, I want to help the kids.”
