When I attended my first College Possible session in the eleventh grade, I had no idea what to expect for the forthcoming year. ACT prep and college info sessions twice-a-week for two hours, honestly, sounded terrible.
I always liked to challenge myself as a student, have taken AP and honors classes, and was an athlete the majority of the year. It was hard to see myself committing to a two-hour session two days a week while my peers were at home, going about their college readiness plan however they pleased. I never resented them because of this. I was merely jealous that they had options to explore, that they could learn about colleges or the ACT however they wanted, in their own time.
But then I had to remind myself why I applied to this program: To gain knowledge about ACT strategy and the college application process. Knowledge that I needed. Both of my parents never went to a post-secondary institution after high school. Ultimately, I would be a trailblazer in my family.
Now that I’m a senior, I look back and realize that there’s no way I would’ve gotten through the ACT or fall college application season without the support and encouragement of my other CP peers—and especially my College Possible coach, Kelley Redmond. I have made awesome memories with all of them and appreciate all of their support.
So far this year, I have applied to St. Cloud State, Minnesota State University Moorhead, University of Hartford, DePaul University, Columbia College in Chicago and Loyola University. I have received acceptance letters from St. Cloud State and Columbia College already, and ultimately, my dream would be to study in Chicago and pursue a major in film.
College Possible has provided me with a wide variety of skills that go far beyond ACT strategy and filling out applications. I’ve learned how to talk professionally on the phone, properly write e-mails and construct a resume. I’ve developed a greater appreciation for the attributes that pay off in life, such as hard work and determination.
I already know that these skills will benefit me for the rest of my life.
