This May, I had the great honor of graduating from Morehouse College, the school of my dreams. I will never forget the day I knew that I wanted to go to Morehouse. I had just finished my associate of arts degree at Ohio Dominican. After I had earned my associate’s, I knew that I wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Before attending The Charles School, a public charter school in Ohio, I thought college was inconceivable, the only thing people would tell me growing up was, "make sure you get through high school." No one really talked about college. When I heard about The Charles School I wanted to go for one reason: They promised the chance to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and and associate's degree from partner university, Ohio Dominican—for free. Sure, I would have to attend high school for five years but it was worth it.
During my last year of high school, I applied to several schools including Pace, Baldwin Wallace and Ohio Dominican. I felt good about my college applications. I wrote personal essays, provided strong letters of recommendation and knew that I possessed the necessary skills to enroll into college. One day I went to catch up with one of my favorite faculty members at my high school, her name was Shannon Taylor. Mrs. Taylor and I had an interesting dynamic. She was always there to tell me what I needed to hear even when I didn’t want to. We had numerous interactions that I still reflect on to this day, but it was one Thursday afternoon that changed everything. The day Mrs. Taylor handed me a brochure from Morehouse. It was this moment that completely changed the trajectory of my life. When I learned about the illustrious alumni from Morehouse such as Maynard Jackson, Jeh Johnson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I knew that this was the school for me. With much enthusiasm and excitement, I applied to this historic HBCU (Historically Black College and University).
[pullquote position="right"]The first time I applied to Morehouse my application got deferred.[/pullquote] I was unaware of the college admissions process, so I thought that deferred meant denied. After expressing my frustrations to Chelsea Carson, another staff member at my school we came up with a strategy that would convince the Morehouse admissions team that I was worthy of becoming a Morehouse student. Mrs. Chelsea and I wrote letters expressing why I would be a good fit for Morehouse. We also tapped Mr. Bob Wilson who was my history teacher at the time, asking him to write a letter as well. Together, the three of us sent heartfelt letters to the Morehouse admissions department with hopeful hearts and crossed fingers that this time I would get in. Thankfully, on February 15th, 2013, I got the great news that I was accepted into Morehouse College and enrolled that fall.
My journey at Morehouse since my acceptance has been adventurous. I would not have had this amazing experience if it were not for the love and support from my high school teachers. I can say with confidence that it was the reassurance that I got from my high school teachers that gave me the confidence to take on this Morehouse journey. Educators are so important. [pullquote]My teachers were the ones who lifted me up when the path to Morehouse almost took me down.[/pullquote] I believe that teaching is such an important profession. Teachers have an influence and impact on students that can change the trajectory of their student's lives. I know that when I got that deferred letter, had it not been for my high school teachers, I would have given up then. I’m confident that I would not have pursued Morehouse and wouldn’t be where I am today. To be an impactful teacher takes courage, passion and commitment. To all the teachers out there, keep lifting, keep inspiring and leading. You're changing lives more than you realize.