My goal was, and continues to be, sharing the skills and tools I learned as a CFES scholar with other students.

Shadey used the Essential Skills to propel herself from a CFES scholar to a degree from Colby College and a master’s degree from Hunter College.

Before leaving for college, I came across several articles about the low college graduation rates for students from underserved communities. According to these articles, I was not supposed to make it through my four years at Colby College, let alone thrive academically and socially. The first few months at Colby were challenging to say the least, but I never questioned whether college and Colby were right for me. As a CFES scholar, I knew college was for me and I was going to succeed.

My experience in CFES taught me the skills I needed to be successful in college. The skills of agility, perseverance, and teamwork have helped me the most. Colby was a new environment, but I knew I belonged there and worked tirelessly to respond to my changing circumstances and overcome challenges I encountered. I studied harder and longer if I needed to; I visited my professors’ office hours often, and I always asked for help. I found mentors on campus, and looked to my peers for emotional, mental, and academic support. These essential skills helped me graduate from Colby College in May of 2015, and from Hunter College with a Master’s in Education in January of 2017.

Through CFES and my experience at Colby, I discovered my passion for increasing college access and retention for students that are typically underrepresented in colleges and universities. At Colby, I helped create resources, programs, and events to help students like me transition to college and succeed academically and socially. My goal was, and continues to be, sharing the skills and tools I learned as a CFES scholar with other students.

Have the Essential Skills helped you succeed? Share your story with us HERE and set an example for our scholars as they become college and career ready.