Scholar Stories and Letters
Emiliano Q | Kensington High School
"I will never settle for less until my good becomes better and my better becomes my best." Emiliano Q, a senior at Kensington High School, repeats those words to himself when the going gets tough. They are his motto, the words that he lives by.
Emiliano is senior class president, holds leadership positions in several school clubs, performs a variety of community service activities, and holds a part time job after school, all while maintaining straight A's. He has received support from White-Williams Scholars since the beginning of his junior year. "Once I learned about the program and the ways it can help you, I was happy and honored to be part of it," Emiliano said. "It's helping me and I take all the help I can get."
Emiliano, who lives with his grandparents, truly appreciates the monthly stipends that he receives from White-Williams Scholars. "It's helped especially this year," he said. "My grandfather had a stroke and, with therapists and other costs, money has been especially tight. The stipends have helped me pay for my class dues and my class ring, things my grandmother can't afford. I also try to save as much as I can because college is important." He hopes to attend Drexel University and major in computer science.
Emiliano also appreciates the support he receives from the other Scholars at Kensington who participate in the Peer Academic Development (PAD) group. "We're all friends," he said. "You can click with these people and we motivate and encourage each other." He mentioned his friend Nichelle Latimer, a Scholar who graduated last year and who now attends Temple University. "I was inspired by how determined she was. She's going to make it. I know she is. And that's the kind of person I want to be like." Emiliano also does his best to inspire other students to succeed. "I tell my friends to apply to White-Williams Scholars," he said. "My friend Jessica is doing much better now. I ask to see her report cards each quarter. She has one C and she's trying to bring it up so she can apply, too."
Knowing that people care enough to contribute to White-Williams Scholars means a lot to Emiliano. "It's nice to know that people care about my education and are willing to help me to better myself," he said. "Things like that make me feel good about being a student when you don't get that support all the time. Living where I live, it's hard out here. I know that you have to have a high school diploma and a college degree to make it in life."
Although Emiliano appreciates the support he receives from White-Williams Scholars, he firmly believes that the key to his success ultimately lies within himself. "I believe that if you're hardworking enough and never give up, there is no obstacle that you can't overcome. Be determined. Don't let anyone stop you. You just have to believe in yourself."
