Alumni Spotlights

What did you do after graduating CCSC? 

After high school, I received a full scholarship and attended THE Morehouse College. During my time there, I interned with a writer at Sports Illustrated, produced a project with the Atlanta Falcons, and worked as a media intern during the season with the team. I also completed over 2,500 hours of community service and received my degree in Journalism this past May. I am currently at Boston University getting my Masters in Journalism.

What are some of the experiences you had after graduating CCSC that were most meaningful to you? 

I think working with the Falcons and producing that project with them. I had full access to a professional team for the first time, I was doing what I had always wanted to do with my degree, and it truly felt like I was accomplishing and working for something attainable and not just a dream. Seeing my work posted on a professional page and people responding and enjoying it meant the world to me.

Another experience was my time with my scholarship leadership team and our work organizing our Thanksgiving event IT’S ON THE HOUSE. As a team, we organized a Thanksgiving dinner, haircuts, a clothing drive, a flu shot/health station, and gift bags for the less fortunate in the surrounding area. Seeing how successful and helpful it was for the community gave me a great feeling.

What were some experiences you had at CCSC that were helpful in figuring out what you wanted to do after high school?

Most definitely Ms. Wallace’s English class in my junior and senior years. She pushed me to be a better writer and didn’t let me off with the bare minimum. The key moment that made me want to continue pursuing writing was during one of her AP English exercises. She had asked us to choose a song, dive into the deeper meaning of the lyrics, and see what the artist was trying to portray. I thought I had the A in the bag until I got a B back. We went back and forth about the grade, but when we talked about the writing techniques and how I could improve on what I was saying, I realized I enjoyed the whole process. I didn’t land on sports writing, but I knew I wanted to write and work on different forms of entertainment at the time, and I knew after that conversation that I could be great at it. 

I also look at my experience with our dean Mr. Russ. One day, I came out of uniform and was sent to his office, and he gave me the choice of going home to my dad and getting a change of clothes or sitting in the office and doing work all day. I made the logical choice and decided to sit in his office and do work all day. As we sat there, he began giving me advice on college and his experiences, and it truly resonated with me. He gave me a breakdown of the HBCU experience and what it would be like to be there. His advice was what helped guide my decision to go down south. Mr Russ and his authenticity helped me make a decision I didn’t know I should make at the time, and I am glad that I had that chance to speak to him.

Favorite CCSC Memory? 

I would definitely say the college trips out of state were the most fun. Being able to leave campus with your friends and experience a college tour was so fun. Every year, my friends and I made the best memories on those trips. Ms. Choice taking some students to see Dave Chappelle receive an award at Harvard is also a core memory. Ms. Wallace’s baking elective was definitely very fun. Each week, the group we had was so fun, and we got to try our baked goods at the end of the day. 

Looking back, what is something that you are particularly proud of? 

I think that I am most proud of my choice of where I went to school. I can honestly say that going to Morehouse is one of the best decisions I ever made. The experiences shaped me into the man I am today, and I am proud of who I am. The relationships I built and the world I was exposed to forever changed me for the better. I was worried when my senior year came around that, I would stall and I would be at a school that I would hate, but the opposite happened.

What advice do you have for current CCSC students?

Build relationships within the school. Ms. Rivera is your best friend, and you need to have at least one teacher you can lean back on for recommendations and advice. I think having that support system of teachers I could talk to on a personal and academic level definitely helped me with my process and being successful. Also, be as well-rounded as possible! Join clubs, do community service, and play sports. It genuinely helps your application and makes you stand out.

What did you do after graduating CCSC? 

I am currently a freshman at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

What are some of the experiences you had after graduating CCSC that were most meaningful to you? 

I am very proud to say I have created history by being the first CCSC student to receive the Fidelity Scholarship. I hope this opens doors for other excellent scholars at the school to go for it. Because I know there are many!

The Fidelty Scholars Program provides generous financial assistance, college success coaching, mentorship, financial education, and mental health support. It is renewable for all four years of college and covers all remaining costs that are not covered by a student’s financial aid and scholarship package (including the cost of parking, books, school computer, and room and board). 

What were some experiences you had at CCSC that were helpful in figuring out what you wanted to do after high school?

My senior intership [at the CHA Community Health Worker Training Program] was particularly helpful for me as I figured out what I wanted to do after graduation. At this internship I was able to familiarize myself with the health care environment and learn different ways I can help others around me access it.

Favorite CCSC Memory? 

I will cherish all the memories I’ve made at CCSC. My favorite one was when our 12th grade Spanish teacher took the class to go see “Real Women Have Curves” live in theater. It was heartwarming to see how well teachers get along with their students. [The play] hit close to home for me because Ana, a young, recent high school graduate, had bigger dreams than she was being offered so she rewrites her story and created her own. I remember thinking to myself “Elisha you can too.” And I did, and will keep doing so.