Jalal Naeem
“CAAB has made it possible for me to do something that I’ve always wanted to do.”
Jalal Naeem was listening to the radio when the announcer asked a trivia question about poet Amiri Baraka. Jalal, a poet himself, was a fan of Baraka’s and quickly confirmed the answer in one of his volumes of Baraka’s work. He called the station, answered correctly, and won two tickets to a play at the University of the District of Columbia. Next thing he knew, Jalal had enrolled there as a student, returning to higher education at age 51.
“I wanted to do something with my life and not just sit around and let life pass me by,” said Jalal. “I wanted to go back to school, get a couple of degrees under my belt, so I can make some decent money and still afford to live in the District.”
Currently in his first year at UDC, Jalal is planning to major in English literature and go on to earn a master’s degree in the same subject.
“English has always been my first love,” Jalal said. “I’m a poet and essayist, and I’ve been published in anthology. I’ve been a poet since I was 15.” Previously Jalal has worked as a case manager for people with HIV/AIDS, and then was living on disability for several years.
A Cleveland native, Jalal moved to the District in 1993 “for a job and love, but not necessarily in that order,” he said. Jalal had attended college for two years immediately after graduating from high school, but left before he finished his degree. Now, more than two decades later, he is committed to finishing and he’s enjoying school more, enrolled in English composition, anatomy and physiology, principles of psychology, and math.
“I love my classes,” Jalal said. “I love my anatomy and physiology class because the instructor makes you feel like you’re going to Harvard. He works us. But we’re there to learn. I appreciate his style of teaching.”
Jalal learned about CAAB’s IDA program through Housing Counseling Services, a nonprofit that provides support to tenants, homeowners and home purchasers with the goal of preventing homelessness and increasing homeownership opportunities. Jalal attended an IDA orientation and enrolled in the savings program in June. He also attended Money Management classes through CAAB to learn how to save and improve his financial outlook.
“I learned what my credit score was, which was a surprise,” Jalal said. “And it wasn’t good either. I learned how to manage money better. I started saving money. I had to cut back on DVD buying. And I’m working on improving my credit.”
Jalal plans to make a computer for his schoolwork his first asset-purchase through the IDA program. “I love the savings program,” he said. “It gives me an opportunity to help pay for my education and to buy a computer, which I desperately need, because the writing labs are always full.” Jalal has set aside $25 a month towards his savings goals.
After he finishes his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Jalal plans to teach at a community college and write. Having that computer and continuing his education will help him along that path. “CAAB has made it possible for me to do something that I’ve always wanted to do.”
