Meet Our Class of 2018 Leap Year Fellows!

Essence Georgia State University, Class of 2022

 

When I started high school, I knew that it wasn’t an option for me not to go to college. However, I realized that I wasn’t ready for college mentally, physically, and emotionally. When my friend first told me about Leap Year and after doing some research, I decided that this gap year program would be great for me. When I got accepted into Leap Year, we started adamantly studying for the ACT. I wanted to give up so badly and often told myself that I couldn’t do it. However, Amber constantly pulled me to the side and told me to stop saying that I can’t and believe that I can do it if I just keep grinding and don’t give up. Amber and Sabina really helped me grow as a person and pushed me to be my best self. Through our work at Leap Year, I have improved academically, socially, and emotionally. I honestly feel like I am prepared for college and ready to start a new chapter in my life.

 

Irah Georgia State University, Class of 2022

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I wanted to join the Leap Year program for multiple reasons; I was graduating from Towers High School, but I was not prepared. I did not take the ACT, submit the FAFSA, or complete college applications. Also, I did not ask for help from my teachers because they seemed so busy with other things. Thankfully, one of my teachers at Towers recommended that I apply for Leap Year, which would guide me through the process of not only applying to college, but also being successful. Leap Year helped me with everything I was not prepared for, from studying for the ACT to submitting Financial Aid documents to learning soft skills, such as professional emailing and networking. Throughout the year, the struggle was real, but it lead to the utmost success that I will never forget. I feel that I am ready for college, knowing that it will be hard but also that I have the tenacity to do well because I’ve already struggled so much and persevered.

Tiayana Georgia State University, Class of 2022

 

 

When I was in high school, I knew I wanted to go to college, but I didn’t know whether or not I wanted to go right after high school. When I found out there was a gap year program called Leap Year that catered to students like me, I was happy to look into it. I wanted to be in Leap Year because I wanted to get into college but also learn more about what college is like and prepare for it. Leap Year helped me get a better score on the ACT and get into a great college. Now, thanks to this program, I’m more prepared to go to college and be successful there. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a Leap Year Fellow as I begin my college journey.

Ty Georgia State University, Class of 2022

In high school, I struggled with time management. I was always late turning in homework, projects, and essays. When it was time to apply to colleges, I did not complete and submit college applications and FAFSA on time, which stopped me from going to college right after high school. When I heard about Leap Year, I realized that it would be a great opportunity for me to get it together. Leap Year has helped me manage my time better and truly prepare for college. I have made my mother proud by continuing my education and becoming the third person in my entire family to go to college. I am confident about starting college because after everything we have been through at Leap Year, such as studying for the ACT, applying to colleges, learning soft skills, and going on college visits, I feel like all of the hard work is paying off as I am about to begin my Freshman year at college. I can reflect on how I have evolved as a person this past year as I graduate from Leap Year, and I am looking forward to graduating from college and pursuing my career dreams in film.