Kenny Lynch, Staff

SHIT. SHIT. SHIT. I knew my life would become hell, but I didn’t know it would happen this soon. It was the first day of ninth grade, and I had woken up extra early. I watched as the sunrise pierced through the hole in the curtain on top of my carpet. I had an hour and a half to spare, so I thought I’d take those thirty minutes to lay in bed and overthink. It was the first day of ninth grade and I already had ninety thousand problems: Would my brother help me navigate? What if I get lost?Who will I sit with at lunch? 

As my head spiraled a thousand different directions, I lost all my excitement. I mean, I was still happy, nonetheless, but the butterflies in my stomach were acting more dramatic than me. 

As I removed my pajamas, I contemplated if what I wanted to wear was suitable for a “first high school day experience.” I had planned to wear long khaki pants with a black belt, a white t-shirt tucked in, an open white button-downwhale shirt and navy-blue converse with dice socks. I thought the clothes would express my style well. My brother wore shorts, a white-collared shirt and sneakers. Ha. Now, that was unacceptable. 

I proceeded to wear what I had on and rushed down the stairs for breakfast. I wanted cereal, but it was too filling. I wanted pancakes, but we had waffles. Nothing was appetizing on the menu. I ran back up the stairs and washed my face, did my hair, brushed my teeth and looked in the mirror to give myself an inspirational pep talk. My mom hollered our names to be ready in five minutes because she had planned to drop Kayden and I off. 

What boggled my mind is the fact that my brother still didn’t have his license as a senior. You can count on me when I say that I will have my license by senior year. As we exited the door,mom said she needed a photo, though not for Facebook. I looked incredible; I would have posted it. If I noticed anything up to this point, photos are supposed to capture the essence of something that was worth taking a photo of. I tend to always fake smiles in photographs. Weird thought. 

On our way to school, I wondered where I would go and who I would meet up with. My brother now practically owns the halls of our high school. He knew where to meet his friends, where to go and what time to meet at. But my friends and I planned nothing before today. I would be stranded on my first day with nowhere to go — I HAD AN IDEA! A lightbulb lit up above my head. I would arrive at my first-period class. I would like to get a good seat and scout for who else is in that class. 

My homeroom and first periodclasses were Earth and Space Science, and it already sounded like it was going to be one of my least favorite subjects. As I landed back into reality, our mom dropped us off and I nervously walked into high school. I first noticed that everyone was divided into cliques, I wondered which one my brother was a part of. It didn’t matter, but I needed a new objective… a game plan: look like a returning student. Technically, I am since I studied every hallway and detour over summer break. 

I made my way towards my locker, passing by incredibly attractive people. As I developed immediate crushes, I noticed my friend group! I walked towards them to say “Hiii,” stress-rant, and go to my locker. I opened my locker, and I started tearing down some of my decorations. I realized it looked too childish to be a part of a mature environment. I grabbed my science binder, pencil case and Hydro Flask. I made my way to my homeroom. I was dreading everything so much. Could this day get any worse? Turned out that everyone in my class had decided to get to class early as well. I found out that the seats are assigned with our ID badge in the spot where our science teacher, Mrs. Cole, wanted us to be. I searched frantically for my ID hoping mine would be at a table that doesn’t have anyone else seated — until my hope was a bust. I was seated next to the top ten most disliked students. I was more mortified that my ID photo was of sixth grade. I cannot believe that our ID photos were from four years ago. 

Anyways, I sat down next to a girl. Iyanna Jones was her name, but everyone called her Anna. Anna is the person who everyone wanted to be but had too much going on for anyone to notice. She used and sold vapes, had access to the best parties and lasso-ed hot boyfriends for each season. On top of that, she was one of our state’s richest families. If you should know anything about our school, Pine Hill High School, it is known to consist of some of the smartest and most affluent families in the state. My family is not dominant for being wealthy but known for my mother’s career and talented kids. 

As the first bell rang, I watched as the other half of my homeroom flooded through the doors. Our teacher started off by taking roll and butchering some names in the process. Then, while she started reading the syllabus, I couldn’t help myself but befriend Anna. She wasn’t a bad person, even if the rumors made her into a villain. She was authentic and broken. Catching up with her was at least more entertaining than the New York Times, but I don’t even keep up with that. 

As our conversation continued, we were interrupted to do a “classroom assignment.” The purpose was to move throughout the classroom and introduce ourselves and our hobbies. If you know anything about me, I will never forget anything. I remember everything and everyone. I knew most of everyone in our class except one girl. Her name was Mia Josh and she looked new to the school district. She had striking black hair and a beige complexion. She wore glasses and a gray T-shirt, and although she was short, she looked even shorter, as though she was trying to shrink and hide from the other classmates. She may have been new, but we conversed as if we’ve been friends for years. We maintained a swift introduction but we only had a few minutes till the next bell dismissed us to second period. 

I had access to all of my class rosters, and I was happy to find out most of my periods consisted of familiar faces. The bell rang and I walked into the hallway traveling to the social studies wing. I entered the classroom and I found Madison Kurdish sitting in the middle of the class. I made my way towards her and sat in front of her. The seats were arranged alphabetically. Since it was the first day, the teachers all followed the same procedure. Madison and I took time to catch up. We talked about one another’s schedule, and I realized that we both had lunch together! Since class was about to end, we went over my schedule rather quickly: period one, science, period two, social studies, period three, English, period four, mathematics, period five, orchestra, and period six, lunch. 

After social studies, I quickly went through my classes, and I was desperately waiting for lunch. When the bell rang, I walked to the English hall and I waited for the next bell. 

We spotted one of our mutual friends, Molly Mayor, and we asked her to join our search for a lunch table. Molly was always smiling cheek to cheek. Her hair was like sunlight, it flowed and shimmered as she walked. Her teeth were winter snow, her eyes were solid ice. She could never be bothered by anything or anyone. She always presented herself to be at peace, but I could tell her mind was in pieces. 

As we found a table to sit at, I saw the girl from my homeroom: Mia. She was sitting by herself so I asked her to move a seat closer to us to join in on our conversation. She said she was from Rhode Island and had moved to Pennsylvania over the summer. 

Rhode Island? I thought. “Isn’t that in Hawaii?” I asked. 

She looked so nervous, I felt a pang of pity for her. But it fascinated me that the mystery girl who no one knew would choose our lunch table for us. The first rule that was instantly enforced was: no judgment whatsoever. You could say anything or be anybody. 

The three girls continued to talk about school, but I had completely zoned out. I looked at everyone who wasn’t as fortunate as me to be at a table with other people. The question lurked in my mind, why are there people sitting by themselves? Either the student is new to the district, disliked, or has no friends to sit with. I was always taught to be inclusive, hence our new friend Mia. 

I had orchestra a few periods ago and a girl who went to the same elementary school as me swapped to homeschool during the middle school time frame. It was surprising to see her again. Her name was Brooke Walters. She was delicate, but her vibrant pink outfits screamed destruction. She was well mannered and well spoken, but always anxious. Whether it was the lack of social skills in a highly social environment or the loneliness that formed during home school, she was alone. As her anxiety progressed, as did time. Although, I noticed Brooke at the high tables by herself. In a way, she was hidden from everyone. She had picked the seat that was blocked by a spiking, blinding piece of daylight that hid her from everyone. I wanted so badly to include her in our lunch table, but I was too terrified to ask. My mind looped through the excuse “What if she chose to be herself?” I find that validating because I am extroverted when I need to be and introverted when I want to be. I dropped back down to Earth where the bell would soon echo to direct everyone to period seven, which for me, was acting. 

I walked back to my locker on my own pondering about whether or not I should invite Brooke. 

Skip forward to a few weeks into the semester, Brooke dropped out of public school and transitioned into home school again. It isn’t my fault, right? I could have talked to her in the orchestra room to make her feel comfortable to finally forward the invite, but I stayed silent and watched as she stashed herself in the shadows. I replayed different scenarios where Brooke was at our lunch table and she’s opening her wings very slowly to catch the wind at the right moment but the butterfly net caught her first. My third week of the school year and I have already encountered my first, for lack of better terms, affair. One problem over with, another one to study for.

Sean Bradley, Staff

Last week, the fall foliage was in its prime. Although the colors are beginning to fade away, you still may be wondering what is behind the changing of the leaf colors and why the leaves fall in autumn. This Nature at La Salle article will explore what causes the leaves to change color as well as why the leaves fall in autumn.

There are three factors that affect fall leaf color, including leaf pigment, night length and weather. First, starting with pigment and night length, most leaves are green in summer because they contain a pigment called chlorophyll, which absorbs sunlight to convert into sugars in a process called photosynthesis. But, as the night length increases, the leaves receive less sunlight, resulting in chlorophyll breaking down and yellow, orange and brown pigments called carotenoids being revealed. Also, as the nights get longer, some leaves’ veins, which carry sugars to and from the leaves, close and cell layers form at the leaves’ bases. The sugars then become trapped in the leaves. The clogged veins cause the leaves to produce a red pigment called anthocyanin. Weather also affects fall leaf color, with temperature and moisture being major influences. Regarding temperature, warm, sunny days and cool nights often result in the most colorful foliage. Anthocyanin pigments do particularly well under these conditions. The sugars produced in the leaves during the day become trapped in the leaves at night, resulting in brilliant red foliage. Since carotenoids are found naturally in leaves, yellow, orange and brown foliage occur more consistently. In terms of moisture, warm, wet springs, warm summers and warm, sunny fall days with cool nights often produce the best fall colors. Summer droughts and warmer fall weather result in delayed and duller fall colors.

Additionally, certain leaf colors are associated with particular species. For instance, maples usually have red or orange leaves, whereas oaks have brown leaves. Birches, elms, hickories and tulip-trees have yellow leaves while beeches have tan leaves and dogwoods have purplish-red leaves.

While seeing the leaves change color and fall is a pretty sight, it is also important for the trees’ survival. Unlike evergreen needles, which have protective coatings and cells containing fluids that resist freezing, leaf tissues are tender and thin and lack these sorts of protections. Thus, many deciduous trees drop their leaves to avoid freezing. Lastly, once the leaves settle on the ground, they are still important because they decompose and help form the organic layer of the soil. This process provides nutrients and retains water for the trees to survive. The fallen leaves also provide habitat for small animals, including bees, butterflies, salamanders and earthworms, who hibernate, feed and lay eggs here.

So, the next time you’re outside on a fall day, appreciate the science behind fall foliage. Take a moment to remember the importance of fallen leaves for the trees’ survival and wildlife.

American Elm, via Sean Bradley

Sugar Maple leaf via Sean Bradley 

Red Maple via Sean Bradley

Provided to The Collegian by La Salle’s political science department 

There are more Explorer Café events coming up in November on a range of topics. Read more about them below:

Topic: Overcoming Gun Violence in Philadelphia: A Hope That Lights the Way!

Location: Holroyd Atrium

Time/Date: 12:30 (Universal Free Period)/9 November 2023

Summary: This Explorer Café will screen and provide an open discussion about the film, A Hope That Lights The Way, a community-based engagement process and a documentary that uplifts the impactful stories of people who have successfully overcome the numerous challenges posed by gun violence. The movie chronicles an ongoing narrative of progress and transformation. 

Facilitators: Octavius L. Blount, Coordinator, Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement, and Jude Husein, ’20, Director of State Advocacy, Senate of Pennsylvania, Office of Senator Art Haywood 

Topic: Food Insecurity, Homelessness and Poverty in America

Location: Holroyd Atrium

Time/Date: 12:30 (Universal Free Period)/Nov, 14 2023 – 12:30 PM (free period)

Summary: This café will present food insecurity on campus. Are students getting the food they need? Laura Frank, the founder of The Basket student food pantry and professor of nutrition, along with PHEED Philadelphia, student-led organization, will encourage a discussion of food insecurity, its impacts, and ways you can volunteer.

Facilitator: Laura Frank (Nutrition) and PHEED Philadelphia coordinators  

Topic: Pardon Me: Your Rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness after a Criminal Conviction

Location: Holroyd Atrium

Time/Date: 12:30 (Universal Free Period)/Nov, 28 2023 – 12:30 PM (free period)

Summary: This Café will first feature a screening of the new documentary, Pardon Me (trailer here), produced and directed by Shuja Moore. The subsequent discussion will address whether people formerly convicted of a crime deserve to live in a second-class status, being denied access to employment, housing, parental rights, student loans, public office, and other opportunities.  Options to remove this second-class status, including a pardon, will be explored. 

Facilitator: Caitlin Taylor (Sociology & Criminal Justice) and Shuja Moore (local filmmaker) 

Read more about previous Explorer Cafe events. 

Karly Zimmerman, Staff

Although the long-awaited spooky season is upon us, Halloween festivities and costume planning often slip our minds as the semester continues with classes, holiday breaks and campus activities. Our ever-growing to-do lists can cause finding the perfect costume to become an afterthought, but never fear! We are here with seven last-minute costumes that are guaranteed to turn heads at any Halloween function. The best part? They are already in your closet.

1. “The Plastics”

We are starting our list with a fan favorite from Tina Fey’s Mean Girls!

Simply pair any plaid or denim mini-skirt with a matching cropped shirt or baby tee. Bonus points if it’s pink! This outfit can either be worn with sneakers or a cute set of kitten heels, making it the perfect outfit for a long day/night. Once assembled, feel free to throw on your favorite shoulder bag and load on the lip gloss to complete this nostalgic Y2K ensemble.

Whether you choose to channel your inner Gretchen, Karen or Regina George this Halloween,your costume is sure to pay homage to the cult-classic film.

2. 80s Prom Queen

Your old homecoming/prom dress may have a chance to steal the spotlight for a second time with this unique costume idea. You can achieve this look in only a few steps:

–   Put on a brightly colored dress of any length.

–   Give your hair a little tease.

–   Add some bold eyeshadow, blush and hairspray.

–   Top it all off with a tiara!

If you feel as though your closet is not living up to the drama and glamor of the 80s, visit your local thrift shop and pick out your best 80s garb for a quick, inexpensive and sustainable way to ensure you are the “queen” of the season.

3. Wednesday Addams

We are heading back to the movies for our third DIY costume!

Wednesday Addams, a character that has been dominating the Halloween scene for years, can easily be recreated with a few simple pieces from your wardrobe.

This costume can be worn with any articles of black clothing, making it a “blank canvas” for the wearer. Whether you choose to do a black skirt or jeans, a black long sleeve or tank top or a black dress, you will be unmistakable so long as you are sporting Wednesday’s two iconic pigtail braids! Adding accessories like tights, jewelry and platform boots will help make this outfit your own!

4. Freddy Mercury

Simple yet guaranteed to make a statement. All it takes to achieve Queen’s star singer’s iconic look is a white sleeveless shirt with a pair of light wash denim jeans. Be sure to add a black chunky belt for more 80s flair!

Once all is said and done, you can then add your own sneakers, Freddy’s timeless mustache, and microphone to customize your look.

5. Queen of Hearts

Much like Miss Wednesday Addams, the Queen of Hearts costume simply requires multiple pieces of clothing highlighting one color: red! Any red dress, matching set or tank top-skirt combo will help you achieve this sassy look.

If you happen to have a deck of cards lying around, try finding unique ways to feature them in your outfit! You can adhere your deck of cards using safety pins and/or fashion tape, or you can make a playful hairpiece using a few bobby pins.

6. Pirate

A classic as old as time, the pirate costume still holds to be the perfect costume for all genders. One could look for a white dress with puffed sleeves or a ruffled white shirt and pair it with a black skirt, leggings or slacks.

Accessories such as corsets, bandanas, and vintage jewelry will certainly help elevate this look! The costume could be worn with a pair of knee-high boots, platform boots or sneakers, providing you with another comfortable and laid-back costume for those longer days/nights.

7. Biker

If you are already planning on breaking out your bandana(s) for some Halloween adventures as a pirate, you might want to keep them handy for our last DIY costume!

Acting as a great co-ed option, this biker look can be completed with only a few pieces. Match any pair of darker bottoms such as leather pants, dark wash jeans and/or fishnet tights with a top of your choice (ie. graphic tee, plain t-shirt, cropped tee), then finish off the ensemble with a leather jacket and a bandana of your choosing. Adding your own touches of jewelry and sunglasses are great ways for everyone to add more style and dimension to this look!

Now it’s time to get creative and scratch “Halloween costume” off your checklist! Explore your wardrobe for these staple pieces and challenge yourself to pair some unique pieces together for some scary good costumes this year!

Sean Bradley, staff 

In fall, many plants produce and drop fruits to spread seeds and ensure regeneration for next year. There are some of these native fruit-producing plants on campus.

In botanical terms, a fruit is a mature, ripened ovary (reproductive structure of a flowering plant). The ovary’s purpose is to enclose and protect the ovules until the ovules fertilize and turn into seeds. All fruits have a pericarp (the part of the fruit that surrounds the seeds) with three layers, including an exocarp (outermost layer), a mesocarp (middle layer) and an endocarp (innermost layer). While there are three main types of fruit, including simple, aggregate and multiple, we’ll only look at simple fruits since most of the native fall fruits on campus are in this group. Simple fruits are fruits formed from flowers with one carpel or multiple carpels fused together so that it looks like just one carpel; and they can be fleshy or dry. Three types of simple fruits found on campus are drupes, berries and nuts.

Drupes derive from one carpel and typically have one or two seeds. The exocarp is a thin skin, the mesocarp may be fleshy, and the endocarp is hard and contains the seeds. One native drupe found on campus comes from the flowering dogwood. Dogwood drupes come in clusters of two to ten and turn red when ripe. Despite being inedible, the fruits are an important food source for songbirds because they’re rich in calcium and fats. Another native drupe found on campus comes from the black walnut. Black walnut fruits have a fleshy, brownish-green husk when ripe. Inside the husk is a hard, brown, corrugated seed shell (nut) containing a light brown, edible kernel. The kernels are enjoyed by both people and wildlife.

The next type of simple fruit we’ll look at are berries. Berries consist of a fleshy pericarp, one carpel or multiple fused carpels, and many seeds. A native fall berry found on campus comes from an herbaceous perennial called American pokeweed. Growing up to three meters tall, pokeweed has round, alternate leaves on a purplish stem. The berries are purplish-black when ripe and grow on hanging clusters. Despite being poisonous to humans, the berries are enjoyed by songbirds.

The last type of simple fruit we’ll look at are nuts. True nuts are dry, indehiscent (meaning the seeds are retained in the dried pericarp), one-seeded fruits with hard exocarps. Acorns, which come from oak trees, are an example of a true nut found on campus. Every two to five years, oaks produce high yields of acorns in what are called “mast years”. While the exact reasons for masting are unknown, it is believed to have an evolutionary benefit of ensuring future offspring. Lastly, not only are they important for feeding native birds and mammals, but acorns are also edible but must be leached of tannins (a bitter plant compound that’s harmful when consumed in high amounts) and properly cooked before consuming.

Sean Bradley, Staff

As the growing season winds down, there are several native flowers that bloom to take advantage of the last warm days as well as to support pollinators. There are various native, early fall flowers found on campus.

The first flower on campus is Black-eyed Susan. Native to eastern and central North America and a member of the aster family, this iconic annual gets its name from its flower head that consists of a black, dome-shaped cone consisting of tiny disc florets surrounded by bright, yellow ray florets. Its stems and alternate, oval-shaped leaves are both covered with bristly hairs. The flower’s showy blossoms have made it a popular landscape choice. Here on campus, it can be found growing in large colonies in the Woodland Garden on the quad near College Hall. Not only is it used aesthetically, but Black-eyed Susans are also used for traditional medicines by Native Americans. One known, traditional, medical use of the plant was to take its dried roots and boil them in water to make a tea that boosts immunity,fights colds and aids digestion. Additionally, Black-eyed Susans attract pollinating insects. The seeds from the flower heads also feed seed-eating songbirds. Lastly, it is the state flower of Maryland.

  

Via Sean Bradley

The next flower here at La Salle is the Blue Mistflower. Like Black-eyed Susan, it is also in the aster family and is native to eastern and central North America. This perennial can be identified by its flat-topped clusters of lavender flower heads, which can have about 40-50 disc florets, as well as its opposite, triangular, toothed leaves. Here on campus,Blue Mistflowers tend to grow in isolated clumps, especially in partly shady areas with moist soil, in the Woodland Garden on the quad. However, with less competition, it can spread quickly and colonize an area. Additionally, it attracts bees and butterflies.

  

via Sean Bradley

Finally the Late Boneset is native to the eastern United States and a member of the aster family. This perennial can grow from 3 to 6 feet tall and consists of clusters of tiny white flower heads with 9-15 disc florets. Unlike the previous two flowers which are found on the quad, Late Boneset is found growing behind the Communication Center. It tends to grow in disturbed areas, where it forms dense colonies and out-competes other plant species. But despite its weedy nature, Late Boneset is a pollinator magnet and attracts a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, wasps, flies, moths, and butterflies.

 

Via Sean Bradley

Claire Herquet, Staff

The professors in La Salle’s Communication department  provided the opportunity for current students to connect with alumni who have gone through the job search and found themselves doing what they love in the communications career field.  

On Sept. 8, La Salle University welcomed the first guest speaker of the year, communincation alum, Emilee Desmond to speak to one of our Sports Journalism classes about not only acquiring her job working for the Philadelphia 76ers, but how much she loves what she does being a Member Services Coordinator for the professional basketball team.  

 Students were delighted to hear her insight into how she applied her studies and experience gained from volunteering at La Salle, and how it has gotten her the position she has now. 

As a child, Emilee always knew she would be doing something big in the world of sports. She often bonded with her father over professional basketball on television at home. In her time at La Salle, she played soccer alongside her teammates in college for years and became the sports reporter and scriptwriter for the Collegian and La Salle TV. Leaving her collegiate athletic career was tough for Desmond, however she was overjoyed to continue focusing on her efforts of success with her studies.  

Emilee graduated with her bachelor’s degree at the height of the initial COVID-19 outbreak, which was extremely devastating for her. However,, she pushed through and kept herself motivated by returning to school the following semester to earn her master’s degree. Looking back on this decision, she told current students that it was the most beneficial at this time to expand her knowledge instead of trying to jump into the job search while the pandemic was an increasing issue.  

In December 2020, Desmond got her job as a Salesperson at the 76ers, working in the office, mainly calling clients to sell and increase ticket sales, offered promotions, and worked at a number of 76ers events. A few months into her time there, after finishing her master’s degree, she voiced to her supervisor that she had interest in getting promoted to the job as an Executive Coordinator. A few months following the discussion, Desmond received the opportunity to take over doing just that. 

Her current position mainly consists of managing schedules, budgets, marketing plans and sales activities. In addition, she researches locations during off season to plan for events, brainstorms and directs team events such as game days, does inventory of new merchandise and more. Desmond has very long days at work, sometimes working a consecutive 16 hours (often for game days), however testifies that it is all worth it for seeing the big happy crowds cheering on her favorite team at the Wells Fargo Center. 

Desmond left students with a great deal of advice  last Friday. She is proud of herself for getting involved and finding herself as many volunteer opportunities as she could at her time here. Getting experience is extremely helpful in finding what you might have an interest in, and getting your foot in the door with doing activities related to your major while gaining that experience is something that the future version of you will never regret.  

The Communication department will be welcoming many more sports alumni speakers this semester to help students network and explore career possibilities.

Nya Griffin, Staff

I am Nya Griffin and I am a member of the class of 2023. I studied full time in La Salle’s communication program. After joining the education department during my freshman year, I began to find another passion leading me towards interpersonal communication. This is the story of my life, obstacles I overcame and the path that La Salle University offered me to catapult me into the next chapter of my life.

I am a Philadelphia native, the second oldest child of five siblings. I am also a fraternal twin. Unfortunately, my father became incarcerated shortly after birth and my mother was found unfit to raise me and my twin sister, which later led to in-family adoption. My twin sister, and I were taken in by our then 77-year-old great-grandmother, named Emily Darby. Shortly after, my great aunt, Esther Darby came to Philadelphia from Atlanta, Georgia. Later after moving in temporarily, I began helping alongside in the raising process of my sister and me. Now, I had gained two mother figures who were there for the long haul. In spite of financial barriers, I learned to love learning from her great-aunt who would do art projects, formulate summer learning packets, visit the free library and go to museums for educational growth. Darby never allowed me or my twin sister to feel like we were held back due to circumstances but instilled in them the principles to see beyond what they could be. I went to Thomas Holmes Elementary, later transitioned to John B. Kelly for a short time and then moved to Holmesburg Christian Academy, which was a pivotal moment in my educational journey. I later attended Samuel Fels High School and graduated from Martin Luther King Jr. High School. In between my time at Fels High School and King High School, I attended Abraham Lincoln High school, where I met La Salle ADP former recruiter, Chappelle Washington through my counselor, Dawn Seeger.

I heard of the opportunities that La Salle had to offer at the time but wasn’t sure about my options and desired awareness. About a year later, I contacted Washington and wanted to hear more about the program’s offer. I later applied to La Salle University and was accepted. Coming into one of the most valued programs at  La Salle, the Academic Discovery Program (ADP) was a game changer in my journey. I started in Summer 2019 and began to build my roots to soar. During the rigorous summer experience used to challenge incoming scholars of the ADP program, it caused me to be grounded in college readiness and prepare for the Lasallian values that I would learn to be accustomed with. Starting off Freshman year, I declared to be an education major and double majoring in English. I lost my desire for English but not for learning and looked deeper into my passion and received additional help from former Academic Success Coach, Karen McFadden. McFadden encouraged me by saying, “check out all of the majors that we offer and see what best fits you.” I later decided to switch my major to Communications and added a minor in Human Services.

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X

Being a student at La Salle has taught me perseverance, that even when the going gets tough it’s best to lean in on the community around you. Having faculty that supports you from the provost office, ADP program, Communications Dept., Graduate Education Dept., AASL, SGA, and so many more had a huge mark on why I am still thriving. I faced many obstacles in my life. A few semesters ago, My great aunt was diagnosed with uterine cancer. Around late October 2022, my aunt’s cancer progressed, and she transitioned. For me, this curveball in life struck hard. At times, I felt demotivated, unsure of graduating, and hopeless. If it wasn’t for the ADP faculty, my friends, and close family in my ear continuing to push and support me I don’t know if I would have made it this far. I want to express that there were many times when I felt like giving up but kept my aunt’s memory and conversation of me finishing strong in the forefront.

Though life’s adversities tried to knock me down, it has been my resilience that has held me together. It wasn’t easy, but I’m doing it and when I heard from my other ADP fellows, I understood that I wasn’t in this alone, we are all dealing with something.  Hearing those experiences caused me to gain my momentum to finish the race and finish it strong. I will be pursuing my masters at American University to gain a degree in teaching. The impact that people have made on me as a student has propelled me to want to pay it forward to students just like me. I am ready to turn that tassel as a La Salle undergraduate alum and walk across that stage holding power in my hands and the dignity and memory of what my great aunt told me. I have triumphed and conquered many tough seasons. Though I know there will be many more ahead, I will be ready. I offer my thank you to the entire La Salle community for thoughts, uplifting words and prayers expressed on my behalf during my time of bereavement. I will always remember the support and presence felt by the La Salle community for many years to come. I encourage other scholars to persevere through any obstacle because I say, “You can do it”.