When I enrolled into YES Prep as a 6th grader, I did not think this school would be the reason I would get to go to college and graduate with a four-year degree. I always knew, though, that the education I received at a charter school would serve me well into my K-12 education. I learned how to become more disciplined and care deeply about my growth as a student academically and personally. The teachers I had every school year shaped me into the person I was becoming and am today. I cared so deeply about my education and so did my teachers. They believed in me and pushed me past my comfort zone along the way.
“I cared so deeply about my education and so did my teachers.”
It was because of YES Prep that I got to be part of the IMPACT program, which partners with 30+ liberal arts schools in the US, to bring YES Prep students to their campus. This partnership would give YES Prep students admission leverage because these colleges know students at our school are college-ready. This program also allows students to potentially have most of their school tuition, or at least a large part of it, paid for.
I applied to a few colleges that were partnered with the YES Prep IMPACT program and, in the end, decided to attend Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee, TN. Though I have graduated, there are still about 17 YES Prep IMPACT scholars attending my alma mater who are also able to attend my university through this partnership. I can also say it is because of YES Prep, the values and academic challenges, that made the other YES Prep alumni and I successful and ambitious college students.
Since my charter school education led me to pursue my higher education, I have always appreciated what good teachers and a great school can do for future students like myself. I am so thankful for attending a wonderful school that prepared me well for college and life. I am happy to say I will be dedicating my career to achieve educational equity for all students.
