Scholar Stories and Letters
Jennifer S | Strawberry Mansion High School
Jennifer S describes herself as a "quiet" person, but that description belies her steely determination to improve herself, her school, and her community. A straight-A student at Strawberry Mansion High School who will enter her senior year in September, Jennifer submitted an application in 10th grade and feels honored to have been a White-Williams Scholar ever since. "It looks good on your transcript," she said. However, she is most grateful for the monthly stipend she receives, saying, "The money really helps me out a lot in my everyday life."
Before becoming a White-Williams Scholar, Jennifer had to leave her house at 4:00 AM each school day. Her father would drive her to her grandmother's house around the corner from school on his way into work because there was no money for bus tokens. Now with the stipend money, Jennifer can take the bus to school. She also uses her stipend for school activities, field trips, food, movies, and clothes.
Jennifer benefits from White-Williams Scholars' Peer Academic Development (PAD) program and attends meetings regularly. She enjoys the educational games that the program coordinator conducts, covering such diverse topics as communication and understanding probability. She says that the games are "fun and challenging. I always learn something at those meetings." She also appreciates the opportunity to get together with other Scholars. "It's good to bring people together, so we can get to know each other. It gives you more friends and people who could help you. We tutor each other sometimes."
Jennifer knows well the power of students working together for their mutual benefit. As an active member of Youth United for Change, she meets monthly with the principal to discuss issues of concern. "Last year, we had no heat in the school," Jennifer said. "We called Mr. McGlinchy [Chief Operating Officer of the School District] and took him on a tour of the school. When he saw that all four boilers were broken, they were repaired. We were also successful in getting windows fixed." Youth United for Change has awarded certificates to Jennifer in recognition of her leadership.
Jennifer is also a leader outside of school. She is an active volunteer bible study teacher with Teen Haven Youth Ministries. During the school year, she attends their weekend camps once a month and attends a weeklong camp in the summer.
While Jennifer has no definite career plans yet, she does know that she will attend college. Princeton University is her first choice, but she is also interested in the University of Pennsylvania and Rider University. "I want to study foreign languages and different cultures, maybe psychology, too," she said.
When asked what she thinks is the key to a successful future, Jennifer responded, "You just try, and whatever you want to do, you keep going at it and never give up. As long as you try, I feel you're successful."
