I missed the first train and now have only thirty minutes to get back to school for my second interview. My heart is beating out of my chest. I’m wondering why there would be another interview and thinking of all the possible questions they may ask. I made it back to school with enough time to get myself together, but I still feel uneasy. At 4 p.m., I joined the meeting and saw four other students. As one of the coordinators began to ask the first question, virtual backgrounds shifted. We all focused closely, our eyes wide with shock, as the words “How does it feel to be an Earl Woods Scholar?” appeared on the screen.
Two months later, I woke up at 3 a.m. and headed to the airport for a flight to Southern California for the Earl Woods Scholar Program Pre-College Retreat. There was an agenda full of workshops and activities for three days. I met up with the other two students from Philly, and we clicked immediately. We shared our excitement and nerves for the journey ahead, uncertain of what to expect when traveling far away for the first time alone and meeting new people. Later, we met with 15 other scholars of the class of 2029 at the TGR Learning Lab Anaheim. The campus was very different from what I’ve experienced at my home in Philly. It’s a vibrant community filled with learning and collaboration. While the TGR Learning Lab in Philly wasn’t complete yet, it was inspiring to catch a glimpse of what the future holds for it.
TGR Foundation aims to inspire students to follow their passions through educational opportunities, which was the main theme of the retreat. It was also evident in the workshops held during our retreat. One of my favorite aspects, aside from meeting new people, was the workshops. They covered topics for college but also for life as a whole.
In a session called the “Legacy League Game Show,” we learned about credit and effective money management from Experian. I also enjoyed a session on how to approach a professor and ask for help; it was incredibly valuable. It made me realize how college professors operate differently from high school teachers. Unlike high school teachers, professors aren’t likely to reach out to you; it’s up to you to seek them out when you need assistance. The retreat was an eye-opening experience that not only provided me with valuable skills but also fostered a sense of community and support. The connections I’ve made and the knowledge I’ve gained will undoubtedly guide me as I navigate the challenges in college and life.
Since the retreat, I’ve been assigned a mentor, Kim, who has been guiding me through the college process and helping me gather everything I need. As a first-generation student, her support has been crucial. She has connected me with key contacts on campus and has offered to help me with my Amazon wishlist. I am attending Howard University, majoring in journalism to pursue my passion for sports and storytelling as a sports journalist.
I’m excited to see how I develop alongside my mentor and to explore the opportunities that lie ahead for me as an Earl Woods Scholar. I appreciate the support from TGR Foundation and the Earl Woods Scholar Program.
