When I was shopping for a college as a senior at Norcross High School, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania caught my eye.
Mainly, because it is the first HBCU in America's history.
As I was already looking to join an HBCU, even without visiting the school, I felt as though Cheyney would be a perfect fit and it absolutely has been.
I found out about Cheyney through a former track coach in Georgia whose friend went to Cheyney and it really piqued my interest.
He introduced me to the school and all of its benefits. He even helped me receive an academic scholarship, the National Science Foundation’s BEAR (Building Excellence and Access through Research) Scholarship, which I qualified for because of my high school GPA and because of the would major in biology at Cheyney.
That scholarship, and a track scholarship, completely offset the cost of me going to an out-of-state college.
As long as I keep my grades up and focus, I can hold on to the BEAR Scholarship throughout college.
Since I'm really outgoing and not afraid to talk to people, I easily fit in once I arrived at Cheyney.
Everyone is so nice and it feels like I’m part of a family here.
True, Cheyney University doesn't have the tens of thousands of students that some schools have.
But it's great that Cheyney is a small school, because that leaves space for the professors to actually get to know you and your name.
You aren't just a number at Cheyney University - you're part of a family and you matter.
I don’t think Cheyney has as many distractions as other schools do either. As a result, I’m able to stay focused but, at the same time, have fun and experience college life.
As a member of the Cheyney track team, I run the 400 and do the high jump.
In addition, I work in the IT department so I’m able to make money and learn a great deal when it comes to computer skills.
I plan to continue this job so that I can increase my IT skills, which I’m sure will benefit me later in life. Next year, I plan to get more involved on campus, too. I want to run for SGA vice president and become a residence advisor so that I can mentor students.
If other Atlanta area students don’t want to go to a southern HBCU, they should try Cheyney and gain new experiences. To learn and grow, you have to try new things.
I've only been here for two semesters and I can honestly say I have learned many skills that I probably wouldn’t have learned if I had gone to a school near home.
It helped me grow more and it matured me instantly.
Cheyney is the perfect place to enhance your mind, intellectually and spiritually.
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