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

My math teacher told me that my middle school principal was a previous assistant principal at WYWLA as we were searching for early-colleges. I applied to WYWLA and was sad when I got waitlisted at first, but when my mom called me downstairs and told me that I had gotten in, I started bawling because of how happy I was. 

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

When I was in middle school during sixth and seventh grade, I had a hard time because of the school I was in. When I transferred to a new school in eighth grade, I excelled in all my classes, made lifelong friendships, and got to connect with teachers better.

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

I do not feel pressured by my parents to go into college; right now my mom is trying to get her degree so she helps and teaches me. My dad just wants me to excel in life.

What advice were you given in your academic journey?

Some advice I was given is to try, even if you fail. Trying it is better than not trying at all.

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

First, I want to go to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to get my 4 year degree, then I want to go to New York University or Yale University for their criminology program.

Who currently forms your support system?

My friends are my main support system. My friends are sad that I went to a different school. Even though I go to a different school, they are very proud of me and provide me a pick me up whenever I need it.  My parent are also a part of my support system, as they have always supported me and are proud of me.

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

I want to study criminology, then I  want to be a detective or a crime scene investigator. It has been my dream since I was eight. I was inspired by movies and shows. I have also always enjoyed looking at different cases.

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

My family will be very proud of me. I want to get my master's degree, and if I do, I will be the first one in my family to receive one, making my family even more proud.

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?

Some advice is to set aside all drama, keep your head above the waters, if you try and fail, that is better than not trying at all, don’t let heavy rivers push you away from what YOU want to do, and even if you don't get the best grades, you will make it in life.