ACT Newsroom & Blog

For ACT Scholar Komi Segbedgi, college is more than an education, it’s a chance to honor his parents’ sacrifices and pursue opportunities they never had. At Kirkwood Community College, Komi has found a community where diversity enriches his experience and expands his perspective. With support from the ACT Scholar program, he’s been able to shift from balancing full-time work and full-time study to focusing more deeply on his academic goals.

Hear Komi’s advice for other students, the challenges he’s overcome, and what receiving the ACT scholarship has meant to his journey in the video.

For ACT Scholar Konstantin Titarenko, college is both a family legacy and a personal opportunity. Inspired by his parents’ determination to earn their degrees after immigrating to the United States, Konstantin is pursuing his education at Kirkwood Community College while balancing work, classes, and leadership as co-chair of the school’s sustainability club.

With help from the ACT scholarship, he’s able to focus more on studying and building connections while worrying less about his finances.

Hear Konstantin’s advice for fellow students, the role his family’s example has played in his journey, and what the ACT scholarship has meant to him in the video.

For ACT Scholar Aiden Feldman, college is a chance to follow his dreams and honor the encouragement he’s received from his biggest supporter — his mom. At Kirkwood Community College, he’s found a strong sense of belonging through supportive peers and welcoming faculty at the Linn Regional Center. With help from the ACT Scholar program, Aiden is embracing every opportunity college has to offer without the weight of financial stress.

Hear Aiden’s advice for other college students, what has motivated him to pursue college, and what the ACT scholarship has meant to his journey in the video below.

Gregory Damas is a graduate of Villanova, where he received a B.A. in business and real estate. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He plans to pursue either an MBA or CMA in the near future.

Dr. Angel Oliver received her degree in interdisciplinary studies from Prairie View A&M University. She is a first-generation doctoral candidate and a member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.

Courtney Mathis received a B.S. in sociology from Texas A&M and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in higher education leadership and administration from Clark Atlanta University.

Who has motivated or inspired you in your college-going journey?

Damas: My greatest motivators have always been my family and my community. My parents, who immigrated from Haiti in search of better opportunities, instilled in me a deep respect for education and the importance of perseverance. Their emotional and physical sacrifices to make me a first-generation college student continue to inspire me daily. I’ve also drawn strength from the support of my broader community—church parishioners, neighbors, teachers, and school staff—whose constant encouragement often came at just the right moments, especially when I doubted myself.

Oliver: Throughout my college journey, I have been deeply inspired by the women in my life—my mother, who worked in healthcare for over 30 years, and my grandmother, who always emphasized the importance of education despite the limited opportunities she faced. Their resilience and determination laid the foundation for my journey. Additionally, the support of mentors in both formal and informal capacities has been crucial in shaping my path and understanding that success in higher education is not just about academics but also about perseverance, community, and staying grounded in one’s values.

Mathis: I’ve been deeply inspired by the resilience of my peers and the students I’ve worked with in financial aid. Watching them persist through adversity has fueled my commitment to this work. Additionally, the powerful women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, as well as Black women educators and mentors, have shown me the strength, grace, and leadership needed to succeed in spaces not always designed for us.

What resources, such as scholarships, mentorship programs, or college prep materials, did you receive during your pursuit of higher education? Did any of those resources stand out?

Oliver: As a first-generation college student, I received scholarships, mentorship from faculty, and support from various programs designed to help students from marginalized backgrounds succeed. One program that stood out to me was a mentorship initiative specifically for Black students, which helped me navigate the complexities of college life and kept me motivated during challenging times. The scholarships I received, especially those aimed at first-generation students, were also pivotal in alleviating the financial burden that often comes with pursuing higher education.

Damas: I took a proactive approach to finding resources and made the most of everything I discovered. My high school college counselors were instrumental in breaking down the process in a way that made sense to me, and their ACT workshops were incredibly helpful. I applied to several scholarships and universities, and was fortunate to receive seven scholarships—including one from a Philadelphia alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I used free online platforms to do daily ACT practice and borrowed an ACT prep book from the library to supplement my studying.

What barriers have you encountered in accessing higher education, and how can these be addressed?

Oliver: As a first-generation student, one of the most significant barriers I faced was the lack of a roadmap for navigating higher education. I had to figure out the system largely on my own, which made it difficult to take full advantage of resources like academic advising, internships, and networking opportunities. I believe this can be addressed by offering more targeted support for first-generation students, such as mentorship programs, preparatory workshops, and resources that directly speak to their unique needs.

Mathis: Being a first-generation college student, one of the biggest challenges I faced was navigating financial aid and understanding the systems of higher education. These barriers can be addressed through expanded access to financial literacy education, increased outreach in underrepresented communities, and institutional investment in culturally responsive advising and mentoring.

What advice can you offer to other Black or African American students who hope to pursue a college degree?

Mathis: Own your brilliance. You are more than capable, and you deserve a seat at every table. Seek out communities and organizations that affirm your identity and values. Don’t let fear or financial concerns deter you—there are resources, scholarships, and people willing to help you along the way. Be bold, ask questions, and never stop advocating for yourself.

Damas: Apply, apply, apply. When one door closes, keep knocking on others. I applied to several scholarships, colleges, and universities, and while I faced a lot of rejections, all it took was one “yes” to change my life. If your first ACT score isn’t what you hoped, don’t be discouraged. Carve out consistent time to study and try again. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. The road to college can be tough enough—you don’t need to be your own biggest critic.

What are your hopes for educational advancement for Black/African American students like yourself?

Damas: Currently, the percentage of Black adults over the age of 25 with a bachelor’s degree lags behind the national average. I hope to see that number not only meet but exceed the national average in the future. Higher education opens doors to resources, networks, and knowledge that can be life-changing. My vision is for Black students to have the luxury of choice when it comes to college—choosing a school that fits their goals and aspirations rather than being limited by financial constraints or lack of access.

Mathis: I hope to see more representation in leadership roles, more funding for minority-serving institutions, and more targeted policies that support retention and graduation for Black students. My goal is to help create a more just and equitable education system where Black students don’t just survive but thrive.

What role did the ACT play in your journey to college?

Damas: The ACT was a better fit for me than the SAT. I took it three times and saw improvement each time. I appreciated being able to use a calculator on the math section and liked the inclusion of a science section. My strongest area was English, with Math close behind. Back when I took the ACT in 2015–2016, the SAT penalized wrong answers, while the ACT did not—which made me more comfortable with taking calculated risks on the ACT.

Oliver: The ACT played an instrumental role in my journey by providing a standardized benchmark for my college applications. It helped me open doors to institutions I may not have initially considered, and it reinforced my belief in my academic abilities. The ACT provided an objective way for colleges to assess my preparedness and, in turn, allowed me to secure scholarships that helped mitigate some of the financial barriers I faced.

The stories of Gregory Damas, Dr. Angel Oliver, and Courtney Mathis serve as powerful reminders of both the promise and the challenges of higher education. Through resilience, determination, and community, they’ve turned barriers into opportunities with the hope that others will follow in their footsteps. Explore how ACT helps support students on their education journey.

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. These two institutions share ACT's passion for helping all students achieve their college and career aspirations.
Each ACT Scholar has a unique story, shaped by perseverance, ambition, and the drive to make an impact. ACT has invited these scholars to share their stories to commemorate their journeys from application to graduation.

For Elysia Severson, a first-year student at Kirkwood Community College pursuing an associate’s degree in accounting, attending college is about more than earning a degree ¾ it’s a tribute to her sisters who never had the chance to pursue higher education. Elysia has faced challenges, including managing her disabilities while balancing coursework. Still, with determination and inspiration from her teachers, she is forging a path to graduation and a career in accounting.

Watch Elysia’s story to hear her reflections on resilience, the impact of scholarships, and her advice for fellow students in the video.