“When I first graduated from high school, my biggest concern wasn’t about what college I would attend, but whether or not I could afford to attend a college for the entire duration of my undergraduate experience. I searched for a college that could not only provide me with an opportunity to have lowered tuition and fees, but also provide me with the opportunities that I needed to be successful upon graduation. Needless to say, Paul Quinn College rose to the occasion.
In meeting with President Sorrell, I learned of the future plans for the institution, including a reduction in tuition and fees, the move to eliminate textbook expenses, and the implementation of a campus-wide Work Program to help students gain work experience and pay off their tuition. These factors made Paul Quinn standout among the other colleges to which I had considered. I was intrigued by the opportunity to be involved in the community and on campus, the innovative financial package, and President Sorrell’s guarantee that if I worked hard, I would reap the rewards.
My freshman year I began working in the Center for Civic Engagement, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership (CEEL). Under the supervision of the Civic Engagement Coordinator, Dexter Evans, I gained valuable experience in learning how to actively apply my knowledge, skills, and values to improve any environment; that experience was invaluable. Later in my academic career, I accepted an internship with Oncor Electric Delivery in the Corporate Work Program. It was through this experience that I learned the importance of task prioritization, teamwork, and communication.
Paul Quinn College is like no other; it taught me that resilience along with hard work can take you far in life. Had it not been for my experience in the Work Program, I would not be where I am today. I continue to apply the skills and training that I gained through my work assignments and off-campus internships to my current role as Analyst with American Megatrends, Inc. (AMI).”