Henry with his high school coach, Eric, at Samuel Morse John Marshall School for the Gifted and Talented
Henry, a high school senior at Samuel Morse John Marshall School for the Gifted and Talented, moved to the United States from Nigeria when he was young. Before leaving Nigeria, he promised his grandparents that he would take care of his family in their new country.
“All my life, I’ve always wanted to go to college, not just for me but for my family and my future,” said Henry.
However, as a newcomer to the country, Henry was not familiar with the process of applying to college. In his sophomore year, he heard about College Possible, a free after-school program that would help him.
“At first, I didn’t think I needed College Possible,” said Henry. “But my counselor encouraged me to apply, and ever since I got in, I never regretted it.”
With the help of his College Possible coach, Eric, Henry improved his ACT score three points in his junior year to make himself a stronger applicant for colleges. This year, with Eric’s support, he has already earned admission to five colleges. He credits his success in the college process so far to the help he has received from College Possible.
“It’s one of the best programs as a high school student I’ve been involved in,” he said. “It helps lots of students succeed and achieve their goals.”
Henry’s long-term goal is to become a pediatrician and make enough money to support his family. With the help of College Possible, he is getting the guidance and support needed to achieve these dreams.
Update as of May 2017: Henry is thriving at Marquette University and is on track to graduate in the Spring of 2018. Working with his college coach Eli, Henry has been busy completing the FAFSA, creating study plans and thinking about future career opportunities. His degree will be in sociology and criminology. Although extra-curriculars keep Henry busy, he still finds time to say “hi” to his old high school coach Eric, who now works Henry is studying sociology and criminology. at Marquette as an admissions counselor.
