What brought you to WYWLA? How did you feel when you were accepted?

I first came across the school through a suggestion from my parents who believed it would be a better opportunity for me and my dreams. I remember when I found out I'd been accepted, I was leaving for school. I felt overwhelmed with gratitude and joy because the school I'd originally been going to didn’t feel like a good learning environment.

How would you describe yourself as a student in middle school?

I would say that I am a pretty chill student because I like to keep to my friend group mostly, and I don’t necessarily have the most energy. I also like to think of myself as an authentic student because I like to come up with new ideas to add individuality to my schoolwork.

Do you feel added pressure or experience any struggles being part of a first generation in your family to attend/ graduate from college? How did you overcome these challenges?

It definitely adds some weight to my shoulders since I'll be the first person in my family to go to college and am expected to earn top grades.  I overcome this pressure by reminding myself I’m doing the best of my ability, that my parents will support me, and not to push myself too hard to be perfect.

What advice were you given on your academic journey?

Some advice I was given was to make sure to stay organized, have a good sleep schedule, and know when to ask for help. I remember to apply that advice every day, and it has really helped me throughout middle school, and I will absolutely apply it for the rest of my academic career.

What colleges have you thought about possibly attending/graduating from?

I have thought about this a lot, especially as I’m going into high school next year. I’ve always wanted to attend The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, The University of North Carolina Wilmington, and North Carolina State University. These colleges have gotten my attention because I want to become a pediatrician when I am older and want the best education to fulfill my dreams.

Who currently forms your support system?

My support system consists of my friends, who definitely help make school more enjoyable and are just fun to be around overall. I also have to thank my family because they are always there for me every step of the process.

Have you given thought to what you’d like to study and become professionally after you graduate from college?

It has been a dream of mine for a while now to be a pediatrician, as I have always wanted to be in the medical field and work with kids. I am also considering becoming a teacher, but I'd like to think of being a teacher as my second option.

What will it mean to your family when you graduate from college? 

It would mean accomplishment and celebration because there has been a lot of trial and error, and to finally have someone accomplish what no one in the family has done yet is exciting. I am excited for when the time comes, and until then, I will keep working hard to accomplish this goal.

What piece of advice or words of wisdom do you have to WYWLA students who will be the first in their family to attend/ graduate from college?

My advice is to stay organized because it can help you big time in the future, and it can make the academic aspect easier. I would also say that even though it may seem scary, it is definitely going to be worth it.  Enjoy the process and find a strong support system, because it will help you a lot and make the process less scary. 

What brought you to WYWLA? How did you feel when you were accepted?

The opportunities that WYWLA offered are what brought me here. When I saw it was an early college, I knew it would help me have a successful future, and that's when I knew I wanted to come here.

How would you describe yourself as a student in middle school?

I would describe myself as a responsible, positive, and enthusiastic student.

Do you feel added pressure or experience any struggles being part of a first generation in your family to attend/ graduate from college? How did you overcome these challenges?

 I feel slightly pressured because my parents did not attend college; I don’t know what to expect, but I also feel  excited about it because I’ll be the first one to go to college.

What advice were you given in your academic journey?

Make sure you study and don’t be lazy - don’t let drama from school affect your academic life.

What colleges have you thought about possibly attending/graduating from?

I have thought about Duke university, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Who currently forms your support system?

My family and friends form my support system.

Have you given thought to what you’d like to study and become professionally after you graduate from college?

I want to be a surgeon, a pediatrician, or a veterinarian.

What will it mean to your family when you graduate from college? 

It would mean that I will be the most successful one in the family, as I will be graduating at a young age.

What piece of advice or words of wisdom do you have to WYWLA students who will be the first in their family to attend/ graduate from college?

Make sure you study, and don't procrastinate.