KeAndre knows he wants to go to college to explore his passions, develop skills towards a career and build a professional network. He’s also motivated to be the first in his family to earn a college degree. “When I graduate, I want to come home and show everyone who had high expectations for me that I’ve succeeded,” he says.
That confidence wasn’t always there. Earlier in high school, KeAndre worried that not knowing exactly what he wanted to study might hold him back. “I felt like I had to have everything planned out already and that really scared me.” He enjoyed filmmaking and illustration but still wanted space to explore other career paths and wasn’t sure if college would allow for that flexibility.
As a junior at Simeon Career Academy on Chicago’s South Side, KeAndre learned about College Possible, which was new to his school, and met Michelle, the coach who would guide him through the next two years. Through College Possible, he learned how to determine a college that was the best fit for him and all the steps it would take to get there. He also realized it was okay to still be figuring things out.
In the spring, KeAndre was named valedictorian of his class, earned admission to DePaul University and was one of four students nationwide awarded a scholarship through Savvas Learning Company, one of College Possible’s partners. “When I found out I got the scholarship, I was ecstatic,” he says, remembering how Michelle celebrated these wins with him. “That was what I needed to go to DePaul.”
Despite his former concerns, KeAndre has developed a clear idea of what he wants to pursue in college. He plans to double major in business marketing and real estate, in hopes of using his creativity and ambitious attitude to help people. He’s excited to pursue his interest in film through extracurriculars and try new things like joining a sports team. “In high school, I was so focused on academics and trying to figure out my life. Now I want to pursue my passions and enjoy the process.”
As he prepares for college, KeAndre feels confident knowing he won’t be there alone. “College Possible has helped me before, so I know I can rely on them,” he said. “The connections and mentorship I’ve received have made all the difference.”
