SCHOLARS PROGRAM ’95 | SETON HALL PREPARATORY SCHOOL ’99 | PRINCETON UNIVERSITY ’03 | SETON HALL UNIVERSITY ’14
Prior to SEEDS, I attended both public and private (Catholic) schools. I truly enjoyed learning but often outpaced my peers in the classroom. As early as 1st grade, my teacher was providing me with additional work outside of the classroom to keep me engaged and excited about learning. I had amazing teachers throughout my elementary and middle school years, but they were limited in what they could provide outside of the prescribed curriculum.
One day, my grandmother came across a tiny ad about SEEDS in the newspaper and let me know that I would be completing the application (I don’t think “no” was an option)! The rest – as they say – is history!
As educators, both my mother and grandmother understood the power of education, but also the limited access based on income. Applying to SEEDS represented an opportunity to access a high-quality educational experience that I earned and deserved that may have otherwise been out of reach due to the lack of financial resources.
At a very early age, I understood the impact that quality education would have on my life and the lives of those connected to me. I knew that, if given the opportunity, I would be able to capitalize on an education that would change the trajectory of my life and be an example of what was possible for my siblings as well.
Being a part of SEEDS taught me that I had a right to be among the best and the brightest, and my socioeconomic status should never be a hindrance to a life of scholarship and excellence.
Through SEEDS, I earned admission to Seton Hall Preparatory School, an amazing school where I could not have asked for a better educational experience. I was surrounded by young men who were both supportive and competitive, and who relentlessly pursued excellence in all areas (academic, athletic, civic engagement) at all times. I grew as a scholar, athlete, artist, and community leader during my time at the Prep and would not change one thing about my experience.
SEEDS was pivotal in accessing opportunities for an amazing educational experience and prepared me mentally and socially for the challenges that came with making the decision to sacrifice comfort and ease to pursue the road less traveled. Though I believe I would have eventually found my way to a great high school and college, I am certain that it was my relationship with SEEDS that allowed me to have access to the best of the best, and to experience the levels of success I did while in those academic institutions.
I want others, students who now follow in my footsteps, to know: Take advantage of the opportunity to be a part of the SEEDS family. SEEDS is an outstanding organization that connects you to people who care as much about your educational experience and life trajectory as you do. The SEEDS experience prepares you for high school, college, and beyond – and becomes a foundation for all of the greatness and success you experience afterward.