Support System, Deadlines and Questions
By: Katlyn McFadden

“One thing I know is that you should never give up; you have to keep striving for better.”
Hello, my name is Katlyn McFadden. I am 17 years old and I am part of the very first graduating class from the Green Street Academy in Baltimore City, Maryland. I am very excited to say that I am the first person in my family to attend college. I faced lots of challenges throughout my high school career. Some of these challenges made getting to college a little more difficult, but I was able to push through them all. Through all of that, the one thing I know is that you should never give up; you have to keep striving for better. There will be times when it seems like you can’t move forward, but you have to, you have to keep moving and thinking about your goal.
One of the most important pieces of advice I would give to a high school student who is having difficulties in school is to find and always use your support system. My teachers, my college advisor, and the rest of the staff at Green Street was always very helpful. If I had a question or needed help with something, I knew exactly who I should go to for help. My biggest source of support came from my family. They are my priority and I am theirs. I don’t know where I would be without their love and support. I can’t even begin to tell you how much they mean to me.
“It means a lot to me to be the first in my family to attend a four year college.”
During my college application process, I made sure to pay attention to deadlines and ask questions. Those are two very important things. I am lucky enough to have enough financial aid to cover all of my classes, fees, and room and board at Bowie State University. When I start college this fall, I won’t have to worry about money. Why? Because I paid attention to deadlines, asked questions, and most importantly, kept up my grades and got good test scores. I am so proud of myself. It means a lot to me to be the first in my family to attend a four year college.


This summer, I will be interning at Johns Hopkins University. This internship will help me with my major and allow me to gain experience in my intended career before I start college in August. I plan on majoring in Nursing. I think that internships are a great way to gain experience in a career field that you think you want to get into. Doing an internship will let you know first hand if you really want to do the job you think you want to do or if you should pursue a certain subject as a major. So far, I am enjoying mine!
As I close this out, remember: support system, deadlines, questions, and internships. Work to make yourself and your family proud. #BSU21
