🏀 Balancing Books and Dreams: Sammie’s Overnight Visit to IUP
We met with Sammie, a high school student-athlete from West Philadelphia, after her overnight campus visit to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) — an opportunity made possible by the Scholars Advantage Program. Sammie shared how the trip gave her a fresh perspective on what to look for in a college and how it’s shaping her future plans.
🌟 Seeing College Life Up Close
“I enjoyed it a lot. It gave me a view of what I’d want out of a college and made me consider a lot of things I wasn’t thinking about before.”
Hearing directly from IUP students opened Sammie’s eyes to the importance of finding the right social environment:
“From the students we talked to, I realized I want a school where there’s a positive community — where people can support each other.”
🎮 Finding Balance: Work and Play
The trip also helped Sammie see that college isn’t just about classes and deadlines:
“Seeing that college isn’t all work was important. When we sat in the student center and got to play games and have fun, it showed me you can work hard and enjoy yourself too.”
For Sammie, that balance between academics and social life is now a top priority as she considers her options.
🏀 Athletics and Aspirations
As a basketball and lacrosse player, Sammie also reflected on how her love for sports connects with her career goals:
“I’m thinking about going to college for physical therapy. Being an athlete myself and seeing what athletes go through with injuries and wear-and-tear makes me want to help people like me.”
While Sammie plans to focus on academics, she’s open to playing sports at the club or Division II level to keep her passion alive.
💡 Looking Toward the Future
Sammie is determined to be a first-generation college student and create lasting impact:
“College is important because it’s not just about getting more opportunities — it’s about changing my environment. I want to create generational wealth so my family and future kids don’t have to go through what I went through.”
🙌 Gratitude and Growth
Sammie credits the Scholars Advantage Program and her teachers for giving her opportunities that shape her is path:
“I want to shout out Miss Cox, my entrepreneurship teacher. She’s helped me see all the options out there and think deeply about my future.”
She also expressed appreciation for the Scholars Advantage Program, which continues to open doors through experiences like dissections, field trips, and overnight college visits.
