Get to know Serenity, one of Access Opportunity's Student Ambassadors for the 2024-25 school year.
Serenity will be a high school senior this year at Cole School of Science & Technology. She is a member of the Access Opportunity Class of 2029. Throughout the year, we will follow her journey to college and get to know her better through her stories, experiences, and advice for her fellow AO students.
In Her Own Words
My name is Serenity. I am currently a senior at DSST: Cole High School. I enjoy my writing courses the most, and when I begin college next year, I intend to study law. As of right now, I believe I will specifically study criminal justice.
AO: Are there any ways in your life or educational journey that you feel like a trailblazer?
Serenity: I believe every aspect of my educational journey thus far presents me as a trailblazer. I am the oldest of 9 siblings, meaning I am the first to go through the educational experience. In addition, I am the first of my family to be on honor roll. Because of my hard work, I am presented with a lot of opportunities. As the first to be given these opportunities, I am the first to navigate the process. Being a trailblazer is definitely a learning experience for me and others like me.
AO: How would you describe the first-generation/low-income (FGLI) experience based on what you have seen & felt?
Serenity: To be a first-generation, low-income student is to be born into a world of challenges and opportunities. The world will present opportunities specific to your path. How you use the given opportunity distinguishes the next steps on your journey. As first-generation low-income students, it is our job to take advantage of every opportunity and benefit from it. First-generation low-income students are like-minded and highly driven.
AO: What does it mean to you to be part of the AO family?
Serenity: To me, being a part of AO means always having someone willing to help. AO is a group where you will never stand alone. You have support in every aspect you could possibly need or imagine. All questions are welcome and valid. When AO is described as a family, it's not an overstatement. AO is a home. Of course, any home has structure. Being a part of AO is similar, the only difference is you are given a safe environment to explore your options. The AO family is not just about the scholarship but, more so, leading you to success.
AO: How did you feel when you first got accepted into Access Opportunity?
Serenity: Being accepted into AO, I was overjoyed. It was the first program I had applied to and I didn't know what to expect. It showed me how capable I am. Not only was it a scholarship but it was also a place to further myself as a person. I have grown so much since joining AO. Although I had no clue what I was in for with AO, I have majorly benefited from everything they have offered.
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