Sinyetta is the first in her family to attend and graduate from college. Being a first-generation student could be challenging at times. She often couldn’t turn to her family for college advice, but this never prevented her from achieving her higher education goals. In fact, this only drove her to pursue experiences, programs and support to help her be as successful as possible.
While attending South Division High School, she found help in College Possible Wisconsin, Money Coach and the Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE) program. Her College Possible coach saw her through many college preparation and enrollment tasks, as well as being a confidant. On top of that, Sinyetta joined the student government, student newspaper and senior board. These programs and involvements not only created a strong web of support, but led her to many opportunities and set her up for success as she headed to college at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
In college, Sinyetta was highly involved with campus involvements and programs that led her to many more experiences, connections, and resources. In addition to the continued support of College Possible coaches, she utilized resources from MKE scholars, Lawton Scholars and Trio Student Support Services (SSS).
“College Possible helped me thrive throughout high school and college. My coaches made me feel supported and cared for the entire way,” said Sinyetta, “Whether that was selecting courses, preparing for tests, or asking questions about graduation—they were always there. I wouldn’t be as successful as I am if I did not have them by my side.”
Outside of these college success programs, she was a member of the university’s student association, serving as senator for two years while also working for Rise, a non-profit advocating for affordable education. As a political science and philosophy double major with a passion for community advocacy, she interned and volunteered for political campaigns, and was the first ACLU Theoharis intern. From these experiences, she has been fortunate to gain meaningful legal experience as she works towards her goal of becoming a lawyer.
Although she has earned her bachelor’s degree, her higher education journey has just begun. Sinyetta is now studying for the LSAT to eventually attend law school. In the meantime, she continues political and advocacy work to improve communities, which she remains passionate about.
“Obtaining my degree means being someone who creates a new path for myself outside of the one that was given to me,” says Sinyetta, “This is about breaking generational curses and barriers that were placed in front of me. Just because I was born into these circumstances doesn’t mean I cannot overcome them. My education has allowed me to gain a new power within myself.”
