“YPIE helped me to be prepared and be on the track to go to college. I don’t think I would have felt ready without YPIE, but I feel ready now. YPIE prepared me for real life.”
“YPIE gave me a new outlook on life and on my future. They inspired me to reach for the stars.”
YPIE Scholar, 2015- 2019
Saunders Trades & Technical School, Magnet: BioChem
College Freshman, Otterbein University, Fall 2019
Intended Major: Animal Science, Zoology
What are some of the ways you have been involved with YPIE?
Kelvin has been involved in YPIE since 9th grade. Initially, he found the extra guidance in math the most beneficial but knew that he would find the support of YPIE even more helpful as he started the college process.
“I knew that YPIE would put me on the track for college. I was nervous about the college process, but everyone has been there to support me.”
What are you most interested in studying?
Kelvin has been interested in animals since elementary school He watched documentaries on National Geographic and Animal Planet, and followed television personalities, like Stephen Irwin, the Australian zookeeper known as “The Crocodile Hunter.”
Kelvin aspires to be a Zoologist or Veterinarian, and plans to study Animal and Conservation science in College.
How has YPIE played a role in your college process?
Kelvin has tapped many YPIE resources on his path to college. In 11th grade, he visited the College Zone twice a week to prepare for the ACT and SAT.
“After my SAT prep at YPIE, I received a much higher score. It was amazing how much my tutor knew about the test. After getting a higher score, I added more competitive schools to my list. Getting that score got me a lot closer.”
His College Advisors also helped him to create his college list around his interest in Zoology, apply for financial aid, and write a meaningful Common Application essay.
“My essay started really rough, but working with YPIE, it came out really good. YPIE made everything much easier. At first, it seemed all tangled up. But, they helped me to get rid of all the knots and make everything more organized.”
How has having a YPIE mentor made a difference?
Kelvin has developed a very special bond with Lou, his YPIE Graduation Coach. Kelvin met Lou at the end of freshman year. Throughout high school, Lou was there for Kelvin in many ways. One of Kelvin’s favorite memories was when Lou brought him and his family to a guided tour of the Bronx Zoo.
“Lou was always there for me. We met every week and he was always checking up on me. The things he has done not many people would do for me. Having Lou in my life has been priceless.”
What will you bring from your experience at YPIE to college?
Kelvin credits YPIE with helping him to improve his study habits, public speaking, and research skills. He also appreciates YPIE helping him to prepare for college.
“YPIE helped me know what to expect when I go to college. Most kids don’t know what to expect. YPIE helped me to be prepared and be on the track to go to college. I don’t think I would have felt ready without YPIE, but I feel ready now. YPIE prepared me for real life.”
What excites you about the new College Zone?
Kelvin is glad that YPIE is opening a new, much larger College Zone.
“It will help many more kids to receive the help that I did. A lot more kids need this help – the bigger space they can influence more kids and help them be on the right path, be on the to college readiness. That’s really good.”
What will you always remember about YPIE?
“YPIE gave me a new outlook on life and on my future. I am grateful for that. They encouraged me to work hard and to know that you can achieve what you want. They inspired me to reach for the stars.”
Posted June 2019
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