This story was written by Sara Lundeen, college access coach and AmeriCorps service member at College Possible Omaha.
The parking lot of Ralston High School had emptied hours ago. Cars trickled back in for a volleyball game, and the lot emptied again, headlights flashing across the room as fans left. We had been revising essays in the library for hours.
Andi came to me knowing she would apply for the QuestBridge Match. Her rough draft demonstrated an excellent candidate but lacked her personal voice and a strong, unique thread. As her coach, I needed to push her to insert herself into the narrative and develop a theme to make her essay stand out as much as she did.
I encouraged Andi to change the foundation of her essay. She was understandably stressed, as the deadline was the next day. Since I was asking so much of her, I had to help. She booked a short meeting with me during the day, and I encouraged her to come to the library to work on her essay while I hosted a group session. As soon as I wrapped up, Andi and I started an hours-long process of writing, revising, and editing. She was supposed to get braids done, so I hope she forgives me for missing out considering the circumstances. Once we cut enough to reach the word count, she submitted her application. We had several more meetings in which we brainstormed, wrote, and edited the supplemental materials needed after she became a semifinalist. We thought of stories to demonstrate academic goals, community engagement, and who she was.
Another student, Neida, also approached me about applying to the QuestBridge. She had already completed her main essay, and the fundamental thread was unique and compelling. We brainstormed ideas for her values essay. When she became a semifinalist, she sent me supplemental essays to review. I spent hours providing in-depth, specific feedback.
After they submitted their final materials, we could only wait. I cannot imagine their anticipation. Match Day came and passed without news, so I feared the worst. The next day, I heard a knock on my office door between periods. Andi stood among the stream of students, informing me that she matched with Washington University in St. Louis. I couldn’t stop smiling. I hadn’t heard about Neida yet, so I worried I’d have to fluctuate between celebration and consolation.
While waiting to meet with some juniors, I saw Andi enter the counseling center. Neida was slightly behind her, giving me hope. As Andi went to tell the counselors that she matched, Neida shared that she matched with Grinnell College. Everyone started talking about pictures and the exciting news, and I couldn’t agree more. Andi and Neida are exceptional students with drive, focus, and passion, and they have a world of opportunity before them.
Now, as I watch the emptying lot from the safety of the school library, I cherish the hours spent when the headlights danced like the bright futures ahead.
