b'17 Jaylah Christian Starting Your College SearchCentral High School, Class of 2025Hampton University, Class of 2029I will be attending the illustrious Hampton University andconcentrating in Finance and Political Science, on a pre-law track.I chose an Historically Black College or University (HBCU) notonly because of the immense support system at HBCUs, but also because of the communal sense of togetherness. As a youngAfrican American woman, I felt an extreme sense of comfortwhen visiting Hamptons campus and experiencing, firsthand,their mission towards encouraging Black excellence andempowerment; I was given the chance to meet with professors, deans, and department heads in my intended fields of study, who expressed their willingness to guide me in achieving academic I felt an extreme sensesuccess, networking opportunities, character development, andof comfort when visiting most particularly gaining financial support to alleviate the burden Hamptons campus andof debt. I was also inspired by my conversations with the studentsexperiencing, firsthand,in the School of Business. I am impressed by the substantialnumber of Hampton students who have found successful careers. their mission towardsI want to be a part of a community that endorses prosperity, encouraging Blackintellectual growth, technical comprehension, and a lasting excellence andsupport system. Hampton is the perfect place for me to beunapologetically me and find my purpose in life.empowerment. Khader MotanWilliam W. Bodine High School forInternational Affairs, Class of 2025Johns Hopkins University, Class of 2029I wanted to go to a school that would allow me to thrive in my field of study, and for me that was medicine. Johns Hopkins University checked off all the boxes: it has a world-renowned hospital in close proximity to campus, its the top medicine and research facility in the nation, and it provides all the resources that will prepare me for the world of medicine. In making my decision, I had guidance from: my teachers who all read my personal statements or would go out of their way to inform me of opportunities; the amazing staff at my school who sat down with me and went through many different universities one by one; and my family who, I wanted to go to a schooleven though not being fully confident with the college process, always that would allow me toprovided me their unwavering support. College applications are goingthrive in my field of study,to be stressful, so you need to learn to prioritize yourself. No matter and Johns Hopkins is thewhere you end up in the application maze, you hold the map and you top medicine and researchguide your way. Keep your head up and be proud of yourself.facility in the nation.'