Take HEART: When I was a child…
Growing up in a rural community, I was a little girl with big dreams. I can still remember being about eight years old, playing school with my imaginary classroom. Of course, I was the teacher. I’d stand in front of my small chalkboard, mimicking the lessons and actions of my favorite teachers. These were the teachers who shaped me from Head Start to about third grade. At the time, I imagined that one day, I’d grow up to be just like them, inspiring others and making a difference in the lives of children.
Fast forward to adulthood, and my journey has been anything but what I imagined as that wide-eyed eight-year-old. Life threw me more than a few curveballs. From a tumultuous childhood to navigating the challenges of being a freshmen and a college student mom, my path has been full of unexpected turns. While those details are a story for another time, they shaped who I am today and fueled my determination to give back.
In the midst of life’s twists and turns, I along with my mother decided to honor my beloved sister by starting a scholarship in her name. It was a small way to create something positive out of her tragic and untimely death. To date, this scholarship has helped four individuals with their college expenses, making their journeys a little easier. Knowing that my sister’s memory has contributed to others’ success fills my heart with purpose.
Now, I’m ready to take this mission even further with Helping Educate and Advance Resilient Teens (HEART). Scholarships are important, but I also want to provide tools and skills for high school seniors to navigate the complex process of preparing for college.
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health challenges teens and young adults face as they transition from high school to young adulthood. Addressing these issues is essential to equipping students for success, not only for college but in life.
As part of this expanded vision, I’ll be hosting a series of four sessions to guide students through this critical period. Each session will focus on building practical skills and fostering emotional resilience. While I’ll share more details about these skills during sessions, here are some great resources to help you or your teen start preparing for college:
Tips for an Effective College Visit: A step-by-step guide to making the most of your campus visits.
College Match Tool: Find colleges that align with your goals and preferences.
42 Things I Learned My Freshman Year: Practical advice to help incoming college students navigate their first year.
The journey from high school to college is a pivotal time, and having the right tools and support can make all the difference. As I reflect on my own journey from childhood to creating opportunities for others, I’m reminded of the importance of dreams, resilience, and community.
If you or someone you know can benefit from HEART share this blog with them and encourage them to let us know they want to apply for our scholarship by completing the contact form here.
LeCole Barnes