Scholar: Allyson Ijima

School: Kapi’olani Community College

Hometown: Kaneohe, Hawaii

At the beginning of senior year in high school, I solidified in my head a plan for my college years. It went something like this: After graduation, I would attend Paul Smith’s College (in upstate New York) for four years, where I would major in business with a focus on entrepreneurial studies. While attending school, I would find time to give back to the CFES program. Then I would graduate with my bachelor’s degree in spring 2014.

When I received my acceptance letter from Paul Smith’s on New Year’s Eve of 2009, I was determined to put my plan into action. But as the second half of senior year started, obstacles arose that would delay my opportunity to attend a Mainland college. I was crushed to learn that I had missed the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s deadline to apply for the fall semester, and that I would be attending a community college instead. I still wanted to experience college in a distant setting, and now that meant the other side of the island. Thus in fall 2010, I officially became a Kapi’olani Community College student.

Although community college had not been my intended plan, I still took learning seriously and was not going to let anything, even the name of a school, affect my plan for academic success in college.

Now that it has been almost two years, I do not regret any part of MY college experience. During my two years in college, I have learned to balance my time for work, school, and play; switched my intended major three times; met (and probably will continue to meet) amazing people; been invited and joined the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society; and started the first-ever HEROES program within the Hawaii CFES schools – and I still found time to mentor CFES Scholars in the various schools here!

My new plan is to either take all the classes I can for another year and then transfer, or graduate from Kapi’olani Community College with my associate’s degree in New Media Arts, with a focus on Interface Design (fancy talk for “graphic arts”). Either route I choose will lead to additional course work at one of my two current choices: the University of Alaska in Anchorage or California State University in Northridge. I will graduate with at least a bachelor’s degree in Art, with a concentration in Digital Art/Graphic Design. I currently do not have a “college graduation date” goal, but I do know that I want to start my career by the time I am 24 years old (basically, I am giving myself five years to complete this plan).

The most important lesson about college that has been etched into my brain and that I can share with future college students is, your college experience is what you make it – no matter which school you choose to attend. It does not matter whether the higher education institution is private or public, in state or out of state, two years or four years. College is college!

Cattle grazed as I drove across plots of land within the Standing Rock Tribe Reservation in North Dakota.  The sweeping expanse of deep blue sky coupled with the flat terrain reinforced the fact that I was in the Midwest.  As a CFES program director for the Standing Rock Community Schools, I spent a few days on site supporting CFES programming and learning about the Lakota Sioux Tribe.  I was energized by what I witnessed happening there.  As the wind blew across the vast rural landscape outside, students and administrators worked diligently to build a nurturing and academically enriching community inside.

What struck me the most were the community service projects that students had put together.  For the holiday season, CFES Scholars at Standing Rock High School delivered over 400 toys to the local elementary school. Donning elf hats and accompanied by Santa, the Leadership Team rejoiced in the holiday spirit of giving.  Scholars said that it was such a heartwarming experience to see the faces of the children light up upon receiving a gift.  They also sang songs with the younger students and promised to continue serving the community at large.

The Leadership Team’s next mission was Project Lala-Unči, a service event revolving around nurturing the relationship between high school students and elderly community members from across the reservation.  Lala-Unči means ‘grandfather-grandmother’ in the Lakota language. The main goal was to play Bingo and bond with the elders.  Scholars took turns calling out numbers and giving out prizes to winners. This service project helped to bridge the generational gap and motivated Scholars to maintain the service momentum.

Leadership through Service is one of the core CFES practices.  Students in all 150 CFES schools in 22 states coordinate and implement service projects that enrich and support their local and national communities.  The Leadership Team at Standing Rock Community High School is just one of many exceptional student-led teams from across the country committed to intently and intensively engaging in this practice of serving and making the world just a little bit better for those around them.  I encourage all of you to engage and serve like our Scholars at Standing Rock.

Scholar: Jasmine Jordan

School: University of South Florida

Hometown: Sarasota, FL

This is my second year in college and I love it! There are more opportunities here at the University of South Florida than I can keep track of. It can be overwhelming at times but in a fantastic way. I am on winter break now, but my finals week was a doozy!

This last semester was the most difficult by far. As a Biomedical Science major, this was my first time taking Organic Chemistry. The first couple of weeks I was losing sleep, studying and stressing over my first test, which I got a C on. I panicked because I only had three more tests to bring my grade up. Fortunately, I had a support group, something every college student should have, whether it is a mentor, a teacher, or a family member. Mine was my family. They encouraged and prayed for me and, of course, advised me to get more sleep! When I took their advice and prioritized my time, I was able to focus more. On the next three tests, I managed to get A’s.

Getting an A in a course is not easy, and do not believe that all you need is smarts to get by. The first thing a college student should be equipped with is good time-management and study skills. Those skills helped me to finish my first ten-page research paper and receive an A in all of my finals. I would not have received a 4.0 GPA this semester without those skills.

Thanks to CFES, I was able to obtain those before I graduated from high school.

Scholar: Any Ng

Hometown Sarasota, FL

School: New York University

Finishing my first semester of college gives me the same feelings I had after surviving my freshman year of high school: it’s a reminder that things won’t ever be the same – a weird mix of nausea and accomplishment. Time seems to have flown by, but at the same time I am able to remember how long each day felt. This was the case as I officially set off into the world as a student of New York University (NYU). Unlike most college students, I began my studies abroad immediately – London, England to be exact. I was at a different school, in a different country, with new accents and cultures. I came with plenty of preparation and experience though: I had done a two-week educational tour of Europe the summer before, and while in high school I was an avid student leader in several organizations including NHS, SGA, and of course, CFES.

Although I am only 19, I have learned many things about life. The one I think most crucial is that you have to expect the unexpected. What that boils down to is approaching every opportunity, or obstacle, with an open mind. Over the past four months, I have learned a lot about myself and developed deeper insights than I had before. When I mentored students in CFES at Booker High, my advice was limited to college and scholarship applications. Now having been thrown into an elevated arena of academic, social, economic, and cultural life, what I have to offer extends beyond strategies for making yourself appealing to a college’s board of trustees and essay reviewers.

For middle school Scholars, the first thing I can tell you is keep your head up. You’re young and while the prospect of higher education seems well out of reach, begin now developing the habits you will rely on later. People may already be telling you “no” and rushing you to make decisions. You have to keep pushing, but with an open mind. Don’t be quick to decide. Explore extracurricular activities and class options; test them out more than once. When I was in middle school, I joined various clubs and participated in sports and performing arts, and through that exploration discovered what I liked and didn’t like. And above all else, begin building strong organizational and study skills. The more competent you are academically, the better your chances for participation in outside activities.

For the high school Scholars, the challenges become more difficult, but with them come so many opportunities for personal growth. As I urged the middle school Scholars, maintain an open mind and strong organizational and study skills, even as you begin to tackle new classes, including honors and advanced placement, in areas that you want to explore. Don’t be afraid to seek the advice and guidance of your teachers – they know what they’re talking about, and their letters of recommendation will come in handy later. Since I was involved in every club at my high school, I encourage you to be active as well. You don’t have to do everything; sometimes it’s best to choose one or two clubs and put a lot of effort into those. By working your way up into an officer position, you can make significant and beneficial contributions to your school and community.

As you navigate a path toward college, don’t overlook the special life skills that enabled me to survive during my first semester at NYU. For instance, having a job not only puts extra money in your pocket, but it also teaches you how to prioritize your plans and spending. You have new objectives and authority figures to abide by, which fosters responsibility. And responsibility is so important in college.

NYU is one of the top 40 universities in the world, and at such a high cost, a good portion of its students come from privileged backgrounds. Many of the students in my program have never had a job, have never had to clean up after themselves. Though my own experiences growing up were quite the opposite, I have no regrets. I understand the value of a dollar, and because I have had to work so hard, I take my education very seriously. I might have my entire undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral education paid for, but I still budget and use that money responsibly. The struggles you have to overcome in your life before college have tremendous influence on your character. That’s not to say you should give up your teen years and jump right into adulthood. Instead seek a balance between fun and work; make sure that you can take care of yourself. My suite-mates had never cooked a meal or taken out the garbage or even packed their own suitcases until I showed them how. It’s surprising how some of the most basic skills are never learned. College is about achievement and opportunity, but in order to realize those, you need to have the basic skills to survive.

The last thing I can tell you is, you need to have a support network. Many people consider me an extremely independent person and though sometimes I claim that I don’t need help from others, I am like every other human being: I can’t do it all by myself all the time. I frequently check in with my mentors and advisors because there’s nothing like a different perspective. It feels great to get the reassurance you need or helpful tips that you may have overlooked. If you are open to their advice, they will always be open to you.

I hope that my insights and experiences will be helpful to you. In my time with CFES, I have developed a passion for helping others, particularly in regard to their education. It is my goal to work in educational administration one day, so that I can make it easier for students to realize their potential and achieve their dreams, just as I have been blessed to do thus far.

Scholar: Holley Murchison–CFES Program Director

Hometown: Harlem, NY

College(s): Odessa College, University of the Pacific,Brooklyn College

As a new CFES Program Director, Angel and I thought it’d be great if we shared our college experiences with you. You’ll hear all about his experiences in one of next month entries but for now, let’s welcome December with a tale of three cities, shall we?

I grew up in a low-income community, the middle child of five. We didn’t have much but always had the necessities. Early on, my Mom stressed the importance of college because she never got the opportunity to finish and knew that her options in life would have been more abundant had she done so. During my last two years of high school, I was an average student – extremely bright and intuitive but lazy and detached when it came to my studies (not the best combo). Fortunately for me, I was really active. I was on the debate team, basketball team (in and out of school), and worked with kids at an afterschool Beacon program in East Harlem.

When it came time to apply to apply to college, I made sure I was all over it. I took my SAT three times, completed my FAFSA before Christmas and had started doing research on five – six schools that I wanted to apply to. Though my grades were average, I was accepted to each school because of strong personal statements and my involvement outside of class. St. John’s University was at the top of my list and I was all set to go until I received an offer from a junior college in West Texas (Odessa College) the summer before freshman year. A free ride to play basketball for two years. No student loans, no money out of my Mom’s pocket – a full basketball scholarship. I took it, quickly! It has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. At 17, I was 1,906 miles away from home making friends, making mistakes and learning from them. I went from a 1.8 GPA my first semester (and thought my Mom would KILL me) to a 3.0 and then to a 3.5. That first semester taught me so much about building relationships, managing time, honoring commitments and being disciplined.

From West Texas, I graduated with an Associate’s degree in Mass Communication and was awarded another full basketball scholarship to a Division 1 program in Northern California (University of the Pacific). Man, that was a great time. And to this day, California is one of my favorite places. At Pacific, I studied Communications with an emphasis on Media Studies but returned home after a basketball injury. Ultimately, I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Television & Radio from Brooklyn College and feel like my experience at all three schools have helped mold me into the woman I am today. College really set the tone for my adult life. Because of my interactions with people from different walks of life and the willingness to step outside of my comfort zone, I was able to mature as a woman and see the world in a totally different light, beyond what I was only able to see from my own backyard.

Scholar: Laura Alston

Hometown: Sarasota, Florida

School: Booker High School

When I entered high school, it was a jumbled web of confusion—at least for me it was. The thought of going to college was far from my mind. Before I could even have a chance to stray from my college path, CFES swooped me up and guided me on a paved road to success.  That sounds cliché but it’s really true.  My first mentor was Amelia who was in my art program.  She became really relatable. She would meet with me during art and would just talk to me—not like an older student showing up a freshman, but as a newly found friend who was giving me advice. I was then given a new mentor in my sophomore year named Natasha (also in art) who kept me up to date with all the volunteer opportunities around the community and really instructed me on how to create a resume. Now in my junior year, I am a mentor to 3 students and in the process of really getting to know them so that I can help them in a way that fits their goals. While they are learning how to prepare for college, I am learning how to be a leader and a role model.

CFES created a community within Booker High School that brought people who had their college life planned out together with people that know that they want to go to college but don’t know where to start. The CFES kickoffs are always filled with energy and activities. Like the last kickoff I went to there was a raffle and I was pumped up because I promised my mentee that she would win the prize of a backpack filled with cool school things. We cringed when they missed our raffle ticket by one number.  No one claimed the prize.  The next ticket number was called out. Our entire table happily cheered when my mentee ended up winning the backpack!

CFES has truly made our school better and is continuing to do that every day. How lucky are people in CFES to say that throughout high school (which can be a very stressful point in life) they had a mentor that guided them to opportunities that they didn’t know and that they were able to share their knowledge with others and change their lives as well.

Like every college bound student, I’m trying to win a scholarship. This scholarship is sponsored by Dosomething.org and is called Make Art to Save Art. The key to winning is getting to be one of the top ten people to have the most Facebook likes and twitter tweets for the artwork they submit. Those top ten would then be judged on their artwork and the lucky winner would get a $1,000 scholarship, $5000 grant to the person’s school, and a new personal laptop. The deadline is November 28^th, so time is of the essence. My request for the entire CFES community is to please go to http://www.dosomething.org/make-art-save-art/gallery/true-to-self and like or tweet my artwork and share the word because it will not only help me but my school!

Scholar: Andy Ng

Hometown: Sarasota, FL

School: New York University

It happens everywhere: sitting at my desk; on the staircase in between classes; walking through Russell Square Park; and even while I’m cooking dinner. I remind myself repeatedly of the unbelievable opportunities I’ve been blessed with thus far in life; the ones that have brought me over 4,000 miles away from home. My freshman year of college has proven to be anything but typical. I attend New York University, one of the top 40 universities in the entire world. It’s also the second most expensive school in the U.S., but I didn’t take out one loan because I am one of 1,000 Gates Millennium Scholars for the Class of 2011. And instead of moving to the Big Apple, I find myself in London, England.

I always knew I wanted to study abroad at some point in my undergraduate career, but I didn’t expect it to happen this early. Upon my acceptance to NYU came the immediate study-abroad opportunity through the Liberal Studies Program. As an English major and aspiring writer, London is the ideal place to find inspiration and it’s proven true. Not having to stress about learning Italian, French or Mandarin was also a plus. There was of course, lots of planning for all this to happen. Although my finances were set, I had to take into consideration the extent of change to be experienced. Not only was I coming to a new school with new people, but also a new country with new accents and a new culture.

The past two months have flown by and I’m proud to say that I can officially call myself a Londoner. I actually find myself saying chips instead of fries, thinking of purchases in terms of pounds and even reading the 30 plus texts required this semester in a British accent. I’ll admit that I did stumble a bit in this journey. Professors can be ruthless with their critiques and the workload is overwhelming (add 13 papers to those readings from before), but it has only forced me to accept challenges even more. I feel better motivated to reevaluate and approach tasks differently now and my already famous time management has only strengthened tenfold. A strong foundation was especially helpful in this situation. College For Every Student is something I’m still a part of and while in high school, the program taught me that education is about empowerment and belief; and it is fantastic to be able to share my experiences with current seniors and in turn have them, along with my previous advisor relay advice and reassurance.

So when it comes down to it, I believe in this: studying abroad is undeniably beneficial. Not only are you learning inside the classroom, but you are growing from your experiences on a new scale economically, socially and culturally. It can be a truly life-changing opportunity if you come into it with proper planning and positive belief.

Scholar: Anisa Frampton

Hometown: Harlem, NY

School: Wadleigh High School—Harlem, NY

So this is my senior year.  It has just begun and it feels as if it’s almost over!  Every morning and every night just flies by.  I’m so afraid for the approaching decisions I will soon have to make involving college, applications, senior dues and so much more. I’ve been pretty on edge just trying to hold it together as I prioritize what it is I need to do to stay on task. My summer was amazing though.  I was able to spend a few days at Roger Williams University learning about college life.  Through this College Explore program hosted by College for Every Student, I joined 30 other students on a 3-day college tour.  Opportunities like these are the ones that teach us the most about the colleges we wish to attend and give us hands on knowledge on what it will feel like to live on campus.   A message to all seniors and juniors out there—visit college campuses!

As I plan on going to college, I find myself making daily checklists of things that I need to accomplish and get better at doing. For example through another program at my school called AVID, I’m learning to better time-manage.  As a senior, I’m given a lot less classes than other students, so I have more time on my hands to do homework, get a job, study for SAT exams and Regents.  However, senior year goes by very quickly and is often not enough time to prepare for going to college. To any junior interested in college, preparing the summer before senior year is the right way to go.  Developing a college application plan during the summer will make things so much easier!

As of now I have butterflies in my stomach preparing to send out applications, organizing and budgeting costs for my prom dress and all the fancy college dorm things I’ll need. I’m so proud of myself for making it to this point. It is so hard for many teenagers in my community to do so.  It takes a lot of courage and leadership to make it to the 12^th grade.   Students have to really stay focused and fight for what they believe in.  Networking and gaining all the right connections to help along the way is key as well.  Developing a strong support system is important too because no one is alone in this process.  I can always count on teachers like Mrs. Manessis, my Math teacher, or Mrs.Funaro, my English teacher. I thank them a million times over for helping me and watching me grow from a scared and moody 9^th grader to a more mature 12^th grader.  Them believing in me was the right push I needed to get me to this position.  I believe in myself and I’m ready for the necessary steps ahead!

Scholar: Afua Laast

Hometown: Bronx, NY

School: Frederick Douglas Academy—Harlem, NY

I don’t know which one went by quicker my summer or the first week and a half of school. I have always heard that senior year is fun but stressful; I can attest that I was not lied to. This year, I will be stretched between A.P. classes, leadership programs, college applications and social activities. But through it all I’ll strive to maintain my honor roll status, keep all my prior engagements and have fun.

My college counselor and I are working on applications for college and scholarships, which is a great help. It is important that you find an adult in your school who will be part of your support network and help with career and education planning.  It also helps to be active on your own. I am the Vice-President of LCS, Let’s Change Statistics, a student-run mentoring program in my school. I am also a member of College for Every Student, which has a mentoring program as well.  I hope to merge the two groups together for the benefit of all involved. This will improve my leadership skills and support my professional development. Making sure everyone has a mentor is very important to me so that everyone can improve academically and socially.  I have been appointed as the editor and secretary of my school’s newspaper.  I guess I have my hands totally full. But besides all of this, I am also a leader in BuildOn, a volunteer program that promotes youth to help the community through building gardens, cleaning graffiti, and parks as well as other activities. Community service is so important to me because it enables me to give back and it supports my social and personal growth.  My plate is full this year but I am willing to take on the challenge.

I plan on majoring in the social sciences field when I go to college, therefore I strive to help others in any way I can.  Scrolling through Facebook, I found this quote which meant a lot to me and I feel that it is also a goal in CFES:

“My life Mission Statement: I am like the Marbury tree, which is found in the middle of the Sahara desert. When the fierce sun beams down upon it, the tree collects its sweat, which forms a pool at its base. This pool becomes a drinking pool for the birds and the wild animals of the desert. I am like this tree. I serve as an aid to my fellow friends living under harsh conditions. I strive not only for success but to also be significant. For, significance is the ability to affect someone else’s life.”

I must go now! I have an essay due for my Sociology class at City College in the morning! Thank you for reading and stay in tuned to the CFES blog!