Scholar Stories and Letters
Tony P | George Washington Carver H.S. of Enginneeering & Sciences
Tony P has quite a resume for a 17-year-old. An aspiring computer engineer with diverse interests, he has participated in the Temple University Black and Minority Engineers Exploration Program, the Drexel University Explorers Engineering Program, and the Hahnemann University Health Careers Exploring Program. He has won a citywide award for his art and has had his poetry published in his high school's literary magazine. Yet, before learning about White-Williams Scholars, how did Tony describe himself? "I was more of a slacker," he said.
It is hard to believe that this talented, quiet young man with the quick, slightly shy smile could ever have been "a slacker." Tony explained, "Some of my classes were just way too easy, especially math and computers. I'd get bored sometimes and wouldn't want to work hard."
A very intelligent young man, Tony attends the academically competitive George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Sciences. In ninth grade, a serious illness caused him to miss about a quarter of the school year and, consequently, his grades suffered. Although his attendance improved in his sophomore year, he had trouble finding the motivation to work hard in his classes until he discovered White-Williams Scholars.
His mother learned about the program from a family member who had been a Scholar. "She told me that if I earned all A's and B's, I'd get a check every month," Tony said. That was just the motivation he needed. He applied for the program in the beginning of his junior year. While he met the income guidelines for eligibility, he remained on the waiting list until he improved his grades. He finally achieved his goal of all A's and B's on his final report card in June. He began receiving a monthly stipend in September and has been saving the money for college.
White-Williams Scholars was just the motivation Tony needed to work to his potential. "It feels good to be part of a group that's honored with money every month," Tony said. "It keeps my concentration on my work and keeping my grades up." He added, "It also keeps my brothers straight because they're jealous of the money." (Tommy, a junior at Carver, and Michael, a freshman at Central High School, are working hard to bring their grades up to become Scholars like their brother.)
While Tony gives much credit for his success to White-Williams Scholars, he also notes the important influence of his family. His father came to the United States from China as a teenager and works as a cook. His mother was laid-off from her job when she developed health problems. He said that his parents have taught him that the key to success is to "do your best. Just work hard at whatever you do." Tony said, "My mom's always trying to get me into different programs. They want me to have a better life than working in a restaurant."
Tony also is determined to honor the memory of his maternal grandfather. Originally from China, he worked as a cook in the U.S. Navy during World War II and immigrated to the United States after the war. He established a restaurant and eventually saved enough money to bring his family to America. Tony wrote in his senior essay, "I still remember the way he was always excited to see any of his grandchildren whenever we came to visit. His face used to light up like a light bulb when he heard about any one of us doing well in school. He always encouraged us and pushed us towards a better life with a good education. I know that my grandfather would be proud of me because of all my effort in furthering my education."
