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ACT established the ACT Scholars program to nurture the academic talent of graduate and community college students at the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College, respectively. ACT emphasized scholarships for students from populations for whom the cost of higher education could have presented a significant barrier to college access and accomplishments.

To commemorate their journeys from application to graduation, ACT has invited these scholars to share their stories. Samantha Blackwell graduated in May from Kirkwood Community College, earning her Associate of Arts degree in liberal arts. Following her graduation, she plans to pursue her Bachelor of Arts degree in sports management.

Who or what was your motivation for going to college?

My motivation for going to college is my father. My father always encouraged me to go to college and study computers. Although I am not studying computers, I think that if my dad were still alive, he would be happy knowing that I am in college.

What are you studying? What degree do you hope to earn?

I am pursuing a Liberal Arts degree. I chose to pursue a Liberal Arts degree because I wanted to discover what my passion truly was. This has been a journey of self-discovery for me.

Why did you select this area of study?

I have always been talented at many different things. I was unclear about what career path I would take in the beginning of my college career. Pursuing a degree in Liberal Arts allowed me the opportunity to take a variety of courses so I could figure out what my future would look like after graduating.

Who inspired or supported you in your college-going journey?

I would say that I have been my biggest supporter. Today there is a narrative that “you don’t need college to be successful,” and this is what I often hear from the people around me. There is also the ongoing conversation about student debt, cancellation, and forgiveness. Many people encouraged me to avoid college to avoid having a future that leaves me in debt and without real opportunities. Getting through college has been a real challenge because I am my own cheerleader.

What was the biggest challenge you faced as a college student and how are you working to overcome it?

The biggest challenge has been supporting myself financially while trying to dedicate the time necessary to receive my education. I worry that one of these areas will suffer, and the stress and pressure can be overwhelming at times. I have yet to overcome this, but I do continue to make an effort.

What advice would you give to a first-generation college student today?

Surround yourself with a community of like-minded individuals. This can be difficult if you are taking classes online but even in the career field that you have chosen, find a community that supports your future aspirations and helps you to develop.

By: Lisa King, director, American College Application Campaign

This three-part blog series celebrates American College Application Campaign School of Excellence awardees. Part two details the success of Petoskey High School and how leaders at the school inspired a record number of students to pursue their postsecondary goals. Read part one of the three-part series, featuring Ocean View High School in Ocean View, California, here.

Students at Petoskey High School in Petoskey, Michigan, submitted more college applications than ever before during ACT’s 2023 American College Application Campaign (ACAC) cycle. With the support of teachers, counselors, and the state’s application campaign, these students had the opportunity to shape college-bound futures by participating in events that encouraged them to submit college applications, provided essential preparation information, and generated excitement about the college-going process.

As part of their student engagement initiatives, leaders at Petoskey High School encourage school-wide participation by inviting more than 800 students to engage in college-related activities. Seniors were recognized this year for submitting a record 621 applications during ACAC events – a significant increase from the previous record of 395 in 2022.

“Education is an investment in yourself,” Sarah MacLean, school counselor at Petoskey High School, said. “We are proud of our whole-school involvement, staff participation, and the celebrations throughout our district to celebrate students and their postsecondary goals.”

Petosky school counselors say they increased engagement by incorporating strategies and events, including one-on-one conversations with senior students beginning during the second week of school, Why Apply Day, and Reach Higher Thursdays. The latter includes 12-minute lessons about topics related to college and career readiness, such as options for life after high school, campus information, and types of majors.The success at Petoskey highlights the hard work of a unified team of educators and school counselors encouraging students’ postsecondary endeavors through preparation, education, and important conversations. Stay tuned for more college application success stories in the third of this three-part series, featuring Timberlake High School in Spirit Lake, Idaho.

To commemorate their journeys from application to graduation, ACT has invited these scholars to share their stories. Grace Baluengidi is a Kirkwood Community College student pursuing an associate of applied science with plans to graduate this summer. Grace graduated from Kirksville High School in Kirksville, Missouri, and hopes to continue her education in medical school to pursue her dream career in pediatrics.What was your motivation for going to college?

I have always been passionate about working in the medical field, specifically in pediatrics. My motivation for going to college and earning a degree was to have a solid knowledge about my career that I could use to help others by caring for them. I selected this study area because I am enthusiastic about being a healthcare professional, saving lives, and caring for others.

Who inspired or supported you on your college-going journey? 

My parents were the first people who supported me in my college-going journey. They always taught me how important school is. My friends and my English teacher from high school empowered my self-confidence and also supported me in my college-going journey. What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a college student, and how did you work to overcome it?

The biggest challenge that I have faced, and I am still facing, but I am overcoming, is the language. I am a French speaker and English is not my first language.

Determination, willingness to learn, and self-confidence are things that help me to overcome all challenges. From these challenges, I’ve learned that when you are confident and determined to achieve a goal, whatever people can say about your incompetence, your weakness, or your mistakes, you will still work hard and push yourself to accomplish your goal. In my case, I did not only trust in myself but also God first. During the presentation of the class assignments, I was sometimes laughed at by those who speak English fluently, but this has not stopped me from pursuing my goal. What advice would you give to other college students?  

I advise college students today to know what they want, be determined, never give up on reaching their goals, and not be ashamed to ask questions and for help. Asking questions when you do not know anything is not always a sign of weakness but proof of strength, courage, and intelligence.

Pursuing your goals is challenging, but possible. Even failure is part of success. Please do not be ashamed of your weaknesses and failures but use them as an opportunity to learn better. What are your career goals, and how do you hope to achieve them?  

The goals I have set for myself are to work hard and pursue my education in medical school to be a pediatrician or earn a master’s degree in physician assistant studies after completing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the University of Iowa.

What does the ACT scholarship mean to you?   

The ACT scholarship means a lot to me and affects my education journey by providing me more time for my studies and helping me worry less about my tuition.