SCHOLARS PROGRAM ’16 | NORTHFIELD MOUNT HERNON ’20 | PRINCETON UNIVERSITY ’24

Before my family found the SEEDs program we were at a crossroads. My experiences across three different middle schools showed us that the public school system might not have what I desired. Being motivated to learn, I was typically ahead of the class in terms of course material, as I enjoyed continuing the learning process outside of class. This oftentimes led me to finish my homework in class and then sit and read a novel. I usually lucked out and had at least one teacher who would notice this and provide me with advanced work, but most times I was left to sit around bored.

I eventually learned about SEEDS through one of my mother’s friends who had a son around my age that went through the Young Scholars Program and how life-changing the experience had been. It was then that we found the organization, and after attending an info session at a local church, my path was lit up with the light of glory.

Applying to SEEDS was an incredibly important step in my life. As I advanced through middle school it became clear that a lack of advanced classes and resources, in general, threatened to stifle my passion for learning. During the critical junction to high school, SEEDS presented a new pathway in my life, shining a light down the road of academia.

As a SEEDS scholar, I learned that it’s one thing to exist in spaces where you are underrepresented and an entirely different challenge to thrive in such spaces. SEEDs empowered me to believe in my self-worth and showed me aspects of my potential, ultimately smoothening the transition to a predominately White institution.

Having had the public school experience that I had, I knew I wanted to attend an independent school because I wanted to expand my horizons. I desired a classroom full of students who were grateful for the experience and a teacher that truly wanted to be there. I also wanted easy access to explore my interests, be it community service or pickleball. Ultimately, I wanted an experience that would allow me to grow the most academically and personally.

After graduating from SEEDS, I attended Northfield Mount Hernon. Northfield Mount Hernon had over a hundred clubs with funding, 60+ sports teams, and over 1,000 acres of land. It’s safe to say that the student experience blew my previous public middle school out of the water. One of the biggest differences was the sense of a clear goal for all students. My alma mater has a motto: “education for the head, heart, and hand” and an honor code that we would write and sign on nearly every assignment. All the supplementary programs/speakers, the honor code, and the different clubs and sports as well worked towards the realization of our motto.

Without SEEDS, my life would be radically different. For instance, most of my closest friends are ones that I met either in the program or as a result of the program. Furthermore, SEEDS helped me find a home away from home, a place where I could become. Without this organization, I simply would not be the person I am today.

For anyone looking to become a part of SEEDS, I want them to know that SEEDS can and will continue to transform lives, but to ensure that this happens for as many people as possible, we need to do our part as alumni. Although SEEDS is an organization that works for our community, I believe our community must also work for it. Whether you join the program or not, I encourage you to tell others about it, and if not money, donate your time to furthering their mission.