College Emergency Fund Scholar Profiles
JOSHUA JOHNSON
College Level: Freshman
Hometown: Providence Rhode Island
College currently enrolled in: New England Institute of Technology
Major: Computer Science
1. Who or what set you on the path to go to college?
What set me on my path to college was a better future for me and my son. I wasn’t really thinking about college until I got laid off from my job and felt I needed to better myself.
2. What challenges have you encountered in pursuing your education and what have you done to overcome them?
I was unemployed for a long while and not really doing well. I noticed how things changed once I started to attend New England Tech. I started to feel better; more accomplished.
3. Why did you decide to pursue a college education?
I wanted to make a better life for me and my son. I don’t want to have to work two jobs and not be able to be there for him when he needs me. I don’t want to be stuck at a [fast food place] for the rest of my life.
4. What advice would you give to high school students applying to college?
My advice to a high school student would be don’t wait to go to college. Go right away. Don’t let anything distract you. Stay focused. Make sure you do your research and don’t go to a school because all your friends are going or because it’s a great party school. Do what’s best for you and keep at it. My 5th grade teacher had a saying “keep your eyes on the prize” and that saying has pretty much kept me on track to finishing school and getting a career.
KENDRA LEIGH AULT
Class Level: Freshman
Hometown: Providence, RI
Institution: Fortis College, Columbia, SC
Major: Medical Assistant
1. Who or what set you on the path to go to college? I set myself on the path to go to college. I knew that in today’s society, I wasn’t going to make it big with only a high school diploma. So I decided that I wanted to go to college to become a medical assistant. I am currently in my second module.
2. What challenges have you encountered in pursuing your education and what have you done to overcome them? The only challenges I have faced are difficult tests. I have overcome those tests by studying hard and paying close attention in class.
3. Why did you decide to pursue a college education? I honestly pursued a college education, because I want my kids to have everything they want and by having a great career, I will be able to give them everything they want. I’ll also be able to spoil myself.
4. What advice would you give to high school students applying to college? My advice to high school students applying to college is to apply for as many grants and scholarships as you can. There is nothing harder than wanting to go to college and not having the financial resources needed. Good luck, also!
ABOUBACAR CAMARA
Class level: Freshman
Hometown: Born in Guinea in Africa, but currently living in Central Falls, Rhode Island
Institution: Community College of Rhode Island
Major: General education currently, so I can transfer to Babson College to major in finance/entrepreneurship.
1. Who or what set you on the path to go to college? A: mother B: baby brother/sisters C: my community D: being poor Getting an education is an investment for life. Watching my mother struggle every single day drives me to be greater. She never had the opportunity to get an American education like my sister and I are able to do. I just want to become educated so that I can live a better life instead of living pay check to pay check like my family does. I think my mother is my biggest motivator. I am pushing myself every single day to be better by practicing my math and writing skills, because I know that I need to improve in these areas in order to transfer to Babson college. Although I am struggling now, I know that one day I will be able to take care of those who took care of me when I was nothing and had only my dreams. Every morning when I wake up I think about my life and where I want to be. I call it “ reflecting.” I ask myself, “Where will I be in ten years?” No one knows the answer, but you can prepare and plan for it. A part of me knows where I will end up and the other part of me is scared. The uncertainty fuels my drive the most, because I am scared of what I will become if I do not get an education or test myself every single day. I think everyone should experience college.
2. What challenges have you encountered along the way and what did you do to overcome them? One of the most important challenges I faced as a freshman, was learning to study and time management. Coming from The Met High School, which I love, we were not in traditional classroom settings like other students were at other high schools. It was hard for me to adjust to at first. Imagine having four courses and you had homework for all four and then prepare for a test the following day? Let’s just say I often go to school with only four or five hours of sleep, and it is not even finals. Once I started reading and listening to audiobooks by Brian Tracy, I was forever changed. Each morning I write a “to do list” of the important things that I need to do, which also helps me with my time management. I have learned how to study and how to take proper notes in class. This sounds corny, but Brian Tracy saved me. I have learned that without clear, daily goals, you are just dreaming.
3. Why did you decide to pursue a college education? I am pursuing an education, because I want to be a better person. I want and will be a future business leader. Most importantly, I want to teach my younger brother, Maury, that you do not have to be a basketball player, a rapper, a dancer, or an actor as a minority person to become wealthy and become somebody. When I look around my community, I do not see doctors, lawyer, investors, or millionaires living next door to me. But I do see drug dealers, rappers and what not, and I do not want to be any of those, nor will my younger brother. This is also one of my missions in life, to teach the youth in my own community that you do not have to be a drug dealer or basketball player to have nice things nor is that the only way to get out of your situation.
4. What advice would you give to high school students applying to college? The advice I would give to high school seniors or kids in general, is to think about what you want to do with your life before applying or starting college. Also, learn how to manage your time. If you do not get into your first school, which for me was Babson College, do not let that stop you. I may not be the smartest person in the room, but I will work hard. College should be enjoyable and a learning experience not only in a classroom setting. Sometimes I learn more from my peers than my teachers.
5. If you are currently enrolled at a two-year college or transferred from a two-year college to a four-year college, please share your comments: Make sure you really know what school you want to attend, because transferring is a hard process. At the moment, I am trying to transfer to Babson College by bringing up my GPA and also doing things outside of the classroom. I have to work harder than high school students who will be applying next fall. But starting at a two-year college will allow me to keep my level of debt down. Working hard and staying focused are key even when your buddies are enjoying themselves.
6. Why did you begin your undergraduate studies at a community college? I did not pick a community college, but I had to attend one because I needed to bring up my GPA and math skills in order to attend Babson College. And it happens to be the best investment I ever made. I am learning the things I need to be learning and it is a cheap investment compared to my friends who are paying $30,000 for what I am getting for $ $4,000.
8. What resources did you utilize that assisted you in the transfer process? I am using all of the resources and people that want to see me succeed. For one, this scholarship is helping a lot, because I will complete two classes during the summer and The Met High school is helping as well. But in the end, it really falls on me to fulfill my dream of transferring to Babson College.
9. What advice would you give to a community college student planning to transfer to a four-year university? Visit the school if you can. Shadow a current student who attends the school, because community college course work and life are totally different than a four-year education. Also understand that the work may be harder or easier depending on who you are. But remember, really enjoy your days at community college while you can because once you transfer you got to be ready to rock and roll.
ASIA SMITH Class Level: Senior
Hometown: Providence, RI
School: Pine Manor College
Major: Psychology with a concentration in human service
1. Who or what set you on the path to go to college? Wanting to do better for my family and myself was my ultimate goal and the reason for seeking a higher education.
2. What challenges did you encounter along the way and what did you do to overcome them? One main challenge that I faced was finding sufficient funding for college. Due to my parent’s poor credit history, getting a loan was very difficult. At that time I didn’t have enough credit to get one myself without needing a co-signer. I always made a point to volunteer, do community service, and work hard and that has helped. For example, being able to keep a 3.4 GPA has enabled me to take extra classes, which has helped me to graduate a semester early from college, saving me thousands of dollars. Doing community service was always a passion of mine, and it has also helped me become a better candidate when applying for other scholarships.
3. Why did you decide to pursue a college education? My family has definitely contributed to my decision to attend college and be who I am. They didn’t have to give me speeches on the importance of college, although they did, because just growing up not being able to have certain opportunities or privileges made me strive. Seeing my mom work jobs that she had no passion for made me strive harder to make sure that I become the best that I can be in order to help them and myself.
4. What advice would you give to high school students applying to college? It is never too early to start looking for scholarships! I advice any high school student to apply to as many as possible and don’t give up hope! There are thousands of programs out there looking to help students, such as this one. Another word of advice is to research the colleges you want to attend and set up a visit or interview to find out if the school is a good match for you.
MONICA VALLE Class Level: Junior
Hometown: Providence, RI
School: Rhode Island College
Major: Elementary education
1. Who or what set you on the path to college? My motivation for attending college has always been my desire for a better life than the one I had growing up.
2. What challenges have you encountered in pursuing your education and what have you done to overcome them? Along the way I’ve had many obstacles, one has been trying to raise two kids while attending school full-time.
CYNTHIA R. BRELSFORD
Class Level: Junior
Hometown: Providence, RI
Institution: Goddard College
Major: Social Studies
1. Who or what set you on the path to go to college? When I first started my 9th grade year at the Met Center, in Providence, my advisor Kristin Waugh-Hempel, at that time was the person who encouraged me to go to college. She once told me that I was the only one that could choose to become anything I wanted to be in life. Coming from a family that lived very poor in Peru and with my mother being the first person to finish high school, going to college was a huge step in life for me.
2. What challenges have you encountered in pursuing your education and what have you done to overcome them? I have two big encounters in my life right now that have been hard to overcome, and I believe that I am still in the process. I came to this country from Peru ten years ago. I have struggled with the English language since the first day that I arrived in this country. I’m still in the process of learning the language and getting better at it. Recently, I lost the one person who encouraged me to go to college and that’s my husband. I believe that I’m dealing with a great loss, but I have to keep on moving forward with my education and work. He believed in me, and I believe in me and that drives me to keep going every day of my life.
3. Why did you decide to pursue a college education? To become a better person and a role model for Latinos that have had the same or can connect the life I have had with their own in a cultural way and know that it is possible to go to college. As well as I’m a single mother of two beautiful babies and there should not be any obstacle for anyone to keep pursuing their goal in life. There is no limit to becoming someone in your life. It is all about believing in yourself.
4. What advice would you give to high school students applying to college? Life is full of bumps along the way, all you have to do is keep on going and learn from your experiences.
PERLA
CANTU
Class Level: Sophomore
Hometown: Oakland, CA
nstitution: Mills College
Major: Biology 1. Who or what set you on the path to college? Even tough my parents did not attend college, they always encouraged me to do better than them. Their strict rules and support is what I owe my wanting to go to college.
2. What challenges have you encountered in pursuing your education and what have you done to overcome them? Because I was not born in the U.S. there were many financial challenges that came across my path but with the help of wonderful mentors, college counselors, principal =) and advisors, I was able to find funds that made college a reality.
3. Why did you decide to pursue a college education? I decided to pursue a college education because I am tired of people having misperceptions of Mexican people as a whole and in particular Latinas. I want to be a role model for young Latinos that have lost or are losing hope of a bright future. 4. What advice would you give to high school students applying to college? To the students who are currently applying to college I would say to really pay attention to what type of student and what type of learner they are. Having assessed that, I encourage you to pick schools in which the environment and social life are comfortable enough that you know the only barrier towards a successful college life will be you. Definitely visit the campus before making a decision and talk to people there. Hope this helps!
JESSICA LARKINS
Class Level: Sophomore
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Institution: Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Major: Nursing
I always knew I wanted to go to college even when I was in elementary, because I knew I wanted to make a difference in life, but if it had not been for the Indianapolis Met I would have never shaped my decisions and narrowed my path to nursing. The Big Picture model of one student at a time and focus set around finding a career interest before leaving high school is what helped me the most. Everything was based on me preparing myself for the real-world and my career. I faced many obstacles in high school but the one that made me a better student was when I found out I was pregnant. I worked extra hard, harder than any other student in my class because I knew I would be needing time off after the baby came and would not be able to go to school. I did 4 chapters a night when others were only doing one or two. I studied hard and took my test ahead of time so that I would have no worries come the big day! I did what I had to do because I knew it was no longer about me but “us.” After my baby was born, my advisor even came to the house to see my daughter and me and even dropped off my personal narrative. When my daughter is in high school and is ready to start applying to college, I will tell her to pick the school that puts her education first, a school where she is not just another number but an individual and can grow and become a successful, career goaled woman.
JOVONTA McGATHON
Class Level: Sophomore
Hometown: Oakland, CA
School: Holy Names University
Major: Business Communication
1. Who or what set you on the path to college? I’ve also had big dreams of going to college and becoming successful. My mother is the person who really inspired me. She’s a woman who had been through many hardships in her life but overcame all obstacles. She’s the one who motivated me to move forward and don’t become like the people who I was surrounded by. Constantly she would tell me “don’t make the same mistakes I made.” I listened and that’s why I’m moving towards a positive future.
2. What challenges have you encountered in pursuing your education and what have you done to overcome them? I was faced with many challenges in my lifetime. The biggest challenge that I faced was overcoming peer pressure and becoming another statistic in my city. Each day of my life I could have drifted into something that wasn’t positive, but my determination kept me moving forward. I set goals for myself and created a plan for my life and if something wasn’t in that plan, I would avoid it.
3. Why did you decide to pursue a college education? College was always a must in my life. I was the first in my family to go to college. College was always a big dream of mines as well as my mothers. Everyone expected me to do well in life and become successful. I also knew that if I wanted to live comfortable and live out my career I had to go to college.
4. What advice would you give to high school students applying to college? When stepping into college create a plan and stick to that plan. As in high school, there are many distractions in college that can drift you away from accomplishing your dreams; you just have to learn how to make good decisions. Good decision-making is very vital in school as well in life. Once one learns how to make good decisions they will get very far in life.
NATASHA PAIGE
Class Level: Freshman
Hometown: Providence, RI
School: Johnson and Wales University-Charlotte
Major: Marketing
1. Who or what set you on the path to college? Growing up in a rough neighborhood never held me back from achieving my goals, I attended college to prosper in the real world; at the rate things are going, soon you will need a high school diploma to work at any fast food restaurant. Education is key.
2. What challenges have you encountered in pursuing your education and what have you done to overcome them? The biggest challenge I am currently facing is finding funding to continue my academics. In order to overcome this challenge, I utilize all of my resources and continue to maintain my GPA in order to qualify for even more funding.
3. Why did you decide to pursue a college education? Before the Met, college was never an option. I had no one cheering for me on the sideline. After building a network of support during my high school career, I gained enough confidence to continue my education. I was accepted to 5 fine institutions and my advisor helped me every step of the way.
4. What advice would you give to high school students applying to college? My best advice to high school students applying to college would be to put school first. There will be alot of parties, sporting events and all types of things going on. It is up to you to manage your time. I always do my assignments as soon as I get them and make sure that all of my work is done before going anywhere. If you slack then it’s all on you.
CHRISTOPHER PRIDE
Class Level: Sophomore
Hometown: Denver, CO
School: Troy University
Major: Nursing 1. Who or what set you on the path to college? The typical stereotype of a black male disappoints me. I believe that “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world,” which is also a quote taken from Nelson Mandela. The human brain is amazing. A person can have an overdose of numerous things… You can never overdose on education.
2. What challenges have you encountered in pursuing your education and what have you done to overcome them? In life you are always met with challenges. The biggest challenge that I have faced is accepting and realizing that I can make it. Realizing that I do not have to have a dead-end job and coming to an understanding that it is ok to be educated. As I continue to move through different stages, I have learned to deal and fight against oppression. I have accepted the challenge that everybody is NOT raised perfect and there is a reason for why certain people go through certain things in life.
3. Why did you decide to pursue a college education? Simply because my father did not and I felt like it would chew at my conscious if I did not go to college. I hate the fact of thinking about WHAT IF? WHAT IF I DON’T GO TO COLLEGE? Also because a college education is the new secondary diploma in order to be recognized in modern society it is a must have. Pursuing a college education disproves the typical stereotype of a black male.
4. What advice would you give to high school students applying to college? I would tell them to NEVER get discouraged. Always find motivation in something that moves you. Administrators may say things that may not sit well with you, but never stop pursuing your education. Regardless to whatever you face, always know that you must take care of yourself and taking care of yourself is getting a college degree. You parents and adult supports will be so proud of you in the end. If you come from a neighborhood like the one I came from it will be so worth it when you can go back to that neighborhood and show that you have made it. Stay on top of your progress while in high school, start early, study for the ACT/SAT (take it more than once), and most importantly never think that you can’t afford college. Money is never the issue because your motivations to succeed in life will override any barriers. Apply to as many colleges as you can. An acceptance letter from one college will spark positive energy at the beginning of the long but rewarding process.
DOMINIQUE SMITH
Class Level: Senior
Hometown: Cranston, RI
School: Pine Manor College
Major: Social and Political Systems
As a senior at Pine Manor College campus Social Responsibility and Exclusive Leadership are some of the major factors that need to be demonstrated as women on campus. To demonstrate a leader one must be willing to be productive and motivated at all times. To be an active community member within the campus you must always be open minded and opinionated. By doing this at a time in my life where I am this will allow me to prepare me for my future after college. I have become an active member in my college setting, attending functions that pertain to my major, political science, bonding with my school mates and when time, sitting around a table discussing and leading talks with other women on campus about the issues that women now and years from now. Pine Manor is a well rounded college. It helps progress self esteems, confidence, friendships and especially beauty. I had concerns at first about attending an all women’s college but it has been an amazing experience and still continues to be. There is always room to learn, grow and appreciate. By learning the significance of this it prepares you to open up to a broader and less personal affair while creating relationships with people just not by getting to know them over a period of time, but in an instant, which is members of your community outside of college. Learning these characteristics prepares me to be a better citizen in the community by allowing me the space to teach what skills I know and realizing the determination to others that might want to learn and grow in the same path/direction. Being a role model is the key objective when describing to be a better citizen because you must already have it in your heart to strive for success. Thinking better and bigger is the only realistic way to demonstrate this overall. Pine Manor has been rewarded for the fifth year in a row the one of the most Diverse Women’s College in the Country! Just by knowing this makes me want to be a successful leader in my future. Advocacy and activism are some of my interests when it comes showing positive outcomes for the community or possibly the world. Who knows I might not be the next Oprah or Obama but for sure when people see me they will smile and say, “That women really cared for everyone not knowing them or not.” That’s all it really takes if you can help motivate one person you can motivate all, over a period of time.
MICHELLE STUDMIRE Class Level: Senior
Hometown: Providence, RI
School: Bennett College for Women
Major: English
1. Who or what set you on the path to college? When I first started high school at the Met I knew I wanted to go to college. One of the major influences on my decision to go to college were my mentors, advisors and the Met community as a whole. During my junior and senior year at the Met, the college process was instilled in me and presented all around me. My pursuit to actually proceed to follow through with the idea of college was actually the lack of higher education in my family. I wanted to be the first in my family to move out of state to attend college and complete it successfully. So I persevered by taking a look back at my past situations and encounters and proceeded by striving for excellence and a better future.
2. What challenges have you encountered in pursuing your education and what have you done to overcome them? The major challenges I have encountered during my college experience has been finding a substantial amount of financial aid, scholarships and grants to cover the cost of tuition plus room and board. Another challenge was learning how to adjust to the overall college transition from receiving no grades and test in high school to receiving multiple grades and test in college. One of the major ways I dealt with many challenges that I faced was by networking. To overcome the challenges I had, I always kept one goal in mind and that was the goal to persevere and succeed no matter what. I figured in order to succeed abundantly, I needed to form a support group of people who could help guide me to understand and take charge of my own education. I was advanced in networking and I knew how to speak up and act out. The support group included Bennett College academic support teams, financial aid assistance, peer groups, friends, and staff. In addition to the Met and Big Picture community.
3. Why did you decide to pursue a college education? I decided to pursue a college education because I wanted to become a better person and I just had this thirst to obtain more knowledge. In the past I have always measured my educational ability as a young black woman below standards simply because throughout the society in which I lived, success was measured in a different way. The fear of teenage pregnancy was all around me. Through it all, I have struggled painfully, but silently, to maintain integrity, spirit, and charisma. As I began to reach a certain age from childhood to adulthood, I knew I had to make one of the biggest choices of my life. I figured on one hand I could become the product of an inversion or on the other hand live the dream that I have always dreamt: the dream of furthering my education and challenging myself to succeed and break the cycle of generational curses and poverty. I have always desired success, as I mentioned, but I had little guidance trying to set goals to succeed.
4. What advice would you give to high school students applying to college? The advice that I would give to high school students applying to college would be to find a college that best suits you. Applying to college is tough and intense but if you can get through that then you can get through anything. Once accepted to the college of your choice take full advantage of the entire college experience by getting involved in student organizations and activities. Also never give up, set goals, and ask questions.
ANDREA WELLINGTON
Class Level: Freshman
Hometown: Chicago, IL
School: Northern Illinois University
Major: Psychology
1. Who or what set you on the path to college? The people who set me on my path to go to college were my mom and my teachers at Big Picture.
2. What challenges have you encountered in pursuing your education and what have you done to overcome them? The challenges I faced were I became pregnant during my senior year of high school. I just use it as an inspiration to go to college even more for my son’s sake.
3. Why did you decide to pursue a college education? I want to pursue a college education because I want to make a better life for me and my son.
4. What advice would you give to high school students applying to college? The advice I would give to high school students is to choose the college that’s best for you. Don’t go to a school because all your friends are going there choose a school that is going to be [right] for you.