Commentary: A Memphis RISE Academy Senior's Perspective on the Importance of Postsecondary Planning
Students at Memphis RISE Academy (Photo by Memphis RISE)
I come from a family that places a huge emphasis on getting an education. My mom finished high school but didn't attend a university or college. Instead, she chose to attend a vocational school where she earned an associate’s degree. She wants me to have the opportunity to attend a four-year institution where I can get my bachelor’s degree, not because her path was wrong, but because she wants every door to be open to me and sees my drive.
As a senior at Memphis RISE Academy who wants to become a pediatric registered nurse, I have learned that success after high school is about having the right support and opportunities when you need them – from family, counselors, and teachers.
Memphis RISE Academy offers students numerous opportunities, from advanced academic courses to extracurricular activities and even personal support. All of these showcase the effort and energy that is poured into students to ensure their success. By taking advanced courses and earning college credit, students can stand out to colleges by showcasing both commitment to challenging courses and dedication to getting a jumpstart on higher education. For families like mine, where college represents a big financial commitment for future goals, these opportunities make the process easier and smoother.
More Than Just College Talk
Amaya Hamilton (Photo by Amaya Hamilton)
Entering my junior year, I prepared for the worst. Every upperclassman warned me that junior year is the hardest year and “survival of the fittest.” However, I found this to be false. The work was hard, but it wasn't undoable. Whenever I felt like I was struggling or if something was giving me a hard time, I knew I could communicate with my teachers or my guidance counselor, and they helped me to see beyond graduation day.
During my meetings with my guidance counselor, she checked in with me and asked, “What is it that you want to do after college?” and more importantly, “Why?” I would always respond with, “pediatric registered nurse.” I’ve been sure about that ever since I was a little girl. She expressed her support to me, but told me that the road is a very challenging one. I was intimidated, but I knew if others were able to accomplish it, so could I.
My Drive Towards Nursing
By the end of my Junior year, I remained certain that I wanted to become a registered nurse specializing in pediatrics. Pediatric nurses are able to work with kids of all ages, from newborns to teenagers. My relationship with one of my pediatricians is one of many things that inspired my desire to become a pediatric nurse. When I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, numerous emotions flooded into me that I kept bottled. That is, until my pediatrician created a comfortable space where I could be vulnerable with her and receive infinite support and reassurance. That is the same impact I hope to make in the future.
Pathways into Opportunity
Once I was set on my career goal, I began researching the necessary steps: required coursework, ways to build a resume, job shadowing opportunities, and financial considerations. This research sent me down a rabbit hole of the different educational pathways.
I started looking at the different options: community colleges, vocational/technical schools, and four-year institutions. My counselor told me all these options were good options and helped me to understand what each choice would mean for my goals. She expressed that a four-year institution would likely be best for me since I’ve expressed that I want a traditional college experience, more specifically, one that is at an HBCU (Historically Black College or University).
I plan to attend an HBCU and major in nursing. One college that I’ve looked at in particular is Spelman College. While they don't have a nursing program, they do have majors in similar fields like public health, and many organizations and clubs for students aspiring to be nurses. They also have a connection with Emory School of Nursing, one of the best in the country, where students can be admitted and graduate with two degrees.
The Bottom Line
My family believes strongly in education. But education isn't just about getting a diploma and hoping things work out. It's about showing students possibilities they didn't know existed. It's about proving to young people that their dreams can come true, then giving them the tools to make it happen.
Unfortunately, not every student gets this kind of support in looking at all options and examining what will be best. Not every school has advanced courses or ways to earn college credit. Not every student has a family and guidance counselors with enough time to explain different career paths. Too many students are making huge decisions without knowing all their options.
Programs like those at Memphis RISE Academy — advanced coursework, supportive counseling, and strategic post-secondary planning — work. These programs make a real difference and should be in every school, not just some. Every student should be able to earn college credit and know that there are different ways to succeed.
Amaya Hamilton is a senior at Memphis RISE and a recipient of the Tennesseans for Student Success Choice Champions Scholarship. The Tennessee Firefly is a product of and funded by Tennesseans for Student Success.
