Choosing the Right College

How does a student make the decision to attend the right college? Finding the right college can be a difficult decision. This was the reality and story of Erianna's college journey.

Erianna and her family

When Erianna was in the 10th grade, she approached her mother for permission to begin preparing for Dual Enrollment. She was attending a public high school and was involved with several clubs and activities. Although Erianna was engaged on campus, she was unsure of the path she wanted to take in college and she did not even begin to look at colleges.

Erianna's grades in high school were good, not stellar. She took the ACT and had a decent score, however, it was not in the top 10 percentile. At this time, Erianna's mother was working full-time and operating a Non-Profit Organization part-time and she and her sister decided to make money from home with the launch of their business RoseLynne Products. The two sold lip gloss and accessories across the United States giving them a small stream of income. This added to her busy schedule and life of Erianna. A busy 10th grader with no college plans. Almost seemed as if she would lose focus.

The Point

Erianna and her family wanted to choose the best college for her. They wanted to ensure that the selected college would be a good fit, affordable and offered a program of her interest. With all those considerations and factors, paying for college was a major concern. How was her family going to pay for her tuition and other expenses? Should she attend a local college to avoid extra expenses? Should she take out student loans and go into debt? Or should she go where she decides and hope for the best?

Great Advice

Erianna and her mother prepared her for testing that would qualify her for Dual Enrollment. Erianna was dually enrolled in her senior year in high school. COVID-19 added to the challenges and barriers associated with her making the best decision for college. Due to the COVID pandemic, Erianna and the rest of the senior class were unable to participate in all of their senior events and activities, even graduation was postponed. This created a lot of mixed emotions, concerns, fear, and doubt, and blocked the vision of being able to attend college. Erianna continued to strive toward success. She was limited in some options due to the many closures and the COVID protocols that were in place at the time of graduation. Many colleges had restrictions for applications, registration, as well as housing. Attending college during the pandemic did not seem possible.

Erianna was determined to go to school. As she sat with her mother discussing college options and the altered decisions that have to be made due to COVID was stressful. As Erianna voiced her desire to attend college, she drew emotion reflecting on the many things that she was unable to celebrate and participate in due to the pandemic. In tears she told her mother, "Mom, I have worked so hard in school, maintaining good grades, perfect attendance, in clubs, on teams, in groups, dual enrollment, and more. Now that the time has come for me to grow on, the universe is telling me I can't? Well, I can and I will!"

At that moment, Erianna's mother knew that she was headed on a path to a successful future.

Recommendations

With a love of debate and law, Erianna decided to major in Political Science and follow her desires for attending a HBCU. The goal was to ensure that Erianna had choices and funding for college. As a child Erianna had visited colleges such as Tennessee State University, FISK University, Florida A&M, Bethune Cookman, and her favorite Vanderbilt University. All though Erianna fell in love with the programs at Vanderbilt, she fell in love with the cultures at the other campuses. Despite the concerns about COVID and selecting the best college, her family was surprised by the acceptance letters and scholarship awards offered to her. Erianna resolved to pursue Political Science at Alabama A&M, which is an HBCU.

Erianna was able to choose the right college for her

Erianna chose to apply to different HBCU's that offered Political Science. She soon became enamored with Alabama A&M. Accepted at AAMU, never visiting the location, area, or campus prior to the acceptance and making this huge commitment. Erianna explained that she knew what she wanted educationally, and she was confident that AAMU could deliver those desires, and since she knew little about most colleges, she didn't have much fear of going to a new place.

Erianna has enjoyed her experience as a Bulldog, she has been a member of SGA, and had several internships, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and more. Erianna is now in her Junior year at AAMU, she has continued to assist her mother's Non-Profit, "Unique Unity," with young adults and high school students. She is a true leader. She has worked with several students in an effort to help them prepare for college and choose the right college for them.

"AAMU has been good to me, I will forever be a Bulldog. I was blessed to be able to have the opportunity to attend a college that was paid for. Yes, I worked extremely hard, but in the end, it was so worth it. I am happy to help others that want to go to college. I had a strong support system at home. My mom and step-dad were always there ensuring I was doing the right thing and keeping me on track. My mom is legit my best friend, we talk about everything and she always gives me better insight and a different perspective that keeps me motivated to keep going. I realize that everyone does not have that, so I am willing to help people get the experience that I have. College is so much more than an educational institution. College is where you find yourself, create your future foundation, and begin to evolve into the person you want to be, everyone should experience it."

-Erianna R. Sanders

Chose the right college for you

If you need help to choose the right college for you, our team at Unique Unity can help. Contact us at any time with questions.