Noah McQueen College Fund
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The story of my life has been described, by others, in many different ways:remarkable, inspirational, but most of all, a blessing. See my journey to excellence hasn't been as conventional or typical as maybe
some of my other counterparts up until this point. I didn't always make the honor roll, nor have , and I probably won't be valedictorian of my senior class.
But what I can say is that I know my life experiences have touched so many people and has served as the light in so many dark places. Because of this, I feel I can inspire positive changes in the world! I take pride in my story because I believe my trials and triumphs can someday save a life!
I can start from many places of my life, all of which contributed to my success. Whether it was the bouncing around to 10 different middle schools in the span of three years, or the long list of social and disciplinary problems. I tell these stories and things of the past because as I mentor young boys and girls today, I feel this is a vital and most integral part of my testimony. To show that it's not always
about your beginnings, or the disadvantages you had to start out with, but your perseverance and the goals that you have for your life.
Throughout my freshman year I attended 4 high schools, two of them, alternative schools. I struggled to fit it while settling for less than academic excellence. I found myself in a lot of negative
situations as a result of being the new kid at every school. I finished my sophomore year with less than a 1.0 GPA.
After years of instability and constant turnover, I decided I wanted
better for my life. I decided that I didn't want people talking about what could've been or the great things I had the potential to accomplish but didn't. So I did something different. I began set goals and removed myself from any and all distractions. That means I had to dissociate myself from a lot of people and things that weren't conducive to me growing. I said I was interested in becoming a member of AMATE (African American Males Aspiring To Excel). I was accepted in, a year later I became president. We began partnerships with neighboring schools that year, committed to the idea that we don't just want great things for ourselves but our community as well. I said I wanted to make the varsity football team, but I never had the qualifying grades. I studied, I worked hard and acquired a 2.0 (GPA) to become eligible. I tried out, made the team and we won our school's
first state championship that year.
I said I wanted to improve my GPA and make the honor roll. So I set higher academic goals and focused on making the honor roll. My junior year, I achieved a 3.20 GPA and received Most Improved at the Annual Awards Program. I haven't settled for mediocrity since. I have also been honored by the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kevin Maxwell, Prince
George's County Board of Education, for outstanding achievement and an amazing turn around. I was elected to be a member of Barack Obama's
initiative "My Brother's Keeper," as a result of my overall success. I have had the opportunity to enjoy several encounters and conversations
with our President. Discussing social issues, and things of the future.
I was blessed to be caught early, and understand some of the ramifications of my actions. I decided that words like "failure" or "underachiever'' would never become synonymous with my name. I've made
a commitment towards excellence in every facet of in my life not only, to not better myself but contribute to others. I feel that I have a duty of service to not only my community but the world at large. I am
motivated, focused, and confident that this senior year will be even greater than my previous years. Also that the years to come will continue to develop me into the student, mentor, athlete, and role model in all my surroundings. At the end of this school year, I plan on transitioning into my dream school, Morehouse College. I am excited to see what The Lord has in-store for me, confident that he will use my life and my light to his glorification!
some of my other counterparts up until this point. I didn't always make the honor roll, nor have , and I probably won't be valedictorian of my senior class.
But what I can say is that I know my life experiences have touched so many people and has served as the light in so many dark places. Because of this, I feel I can inspire positive changes in the world! I take pride in my story because I believe my trials and triumphs can someday save a life!
I can start from many places of my life, all of which contributed to my success. Whether it was the bouncing around to 10 different middle schools in the span of three years, or the long list of social and disciplinary problems. I tell these stories and things of the past because as I mentor young boys and girls today, I feel this is a vital and most integral part of my testimony. To show that it's not always
about your beginnings, or the disadvantages you had to start out with, but your perseverance and the goals that you have for your life.
Throughout my freshman year I attended 4 high schools, two of them, alternative schools. I struggled to fit it while settling for less than academic excellence. I found myself in a lot of negative
situations as a result of being the new kid at every school. I finished my sophomore year with less than a 1.0 GPA.
After years of instability and constant turnover, I decided I wanted
better for my life. I decided that I didn't want people talking about what could've been or the great things I had the potential to accomplish but didn't. So I did something different. I began set goals and removed myself from any and all distractions. That means I had to dissociate myself from a lot of people and things that weren't conducive to me growing. I said I was interested in becoming a member of AMATE (African American Males Aspiring To Excel). I was accepted in, a year later I became president. We began partnerships with neighboring schools that year, committed to the idea that we don't just want great things for ourselves but our community as well. I said I wanted to make the varsity football team, but I never had the qualifying grades. I studied, I worked hard and acquired a 2.0 (GPA) to become eligible. I tried out, made the team and we won our school's
first state championship that year.
I said I wanted to improve my GPA and make the honor roll. So I set higher academic goals and focused on making the honor roll. My junior year, I achieved a 3.20 GPA and received Most Improved at the Annual Awards Program. I haven't settled for mediocrity since. I have also been honored by the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kevin Maxwell, Prince
George's County Board of Education, for outstanding achievement and an amazing turn around. I was elected to be a member of Barack Obama's
initiative "My Brother's Keeper," as a result of my overall success. I have had the opportunity to enjoy several encounters and conversations
with our President. Discussing social issues, and things of the future.
I was blessed to be caught early, and understand some of the ramifications of my actions. I decided that words like "failure" or "underachiever'' would never become synonymous with my name. I've made
a commitment towards excellence in every facet of in my life not only, to not better myself but contribute to others. I feel that I have a duty of service to not only my community but the world at large. I am
motivated, focused, and confident that this senior year will be even greater than my previous years. Also that the years to come will continue to develop me into the student, mentor, athlete, and role model in all my surroundings. At the end of this school year, I plan on transitioning into my dream school, Morehouse College. I am excited to see what The Lord has in-store for me, confident that he will use my life and my light to his glorification!
Organizer
Noah Mcqueen
Organizer
Suitland, MD