When you walk into the Future Center, you see multiple desks with college counselors ready to answer questions from curious students. There are snacks and a lounge area. It is located in room 213 and open from 9-5:30 Monday through Friday.
The Future Center has had a big impact on me. The Future Center has helped those who want and need to go college and that’s what they’re all about.
Every time I step foot in there I see friends or mutuals, just trying to get more things done to get set for college. The Future Center has been nothing but welcoming to those of us who are doubting ourselves while thinking about college.
My experience with the Future Center has been very helpful with the stress I had because I thought it was too late to do anything about applying for college.
But one day, as I was in class, one of the college counselors came and pulled me to the side to talk to me about my future. His name is Rashad Joshua. He is one of the many reasons why I became hopeful again when I thought it was too late.
While meeting Rashad, I asked him what made him get into this type of work and here is what he told me.
“I was at risk as a young person, and got the same help from when I was young too.”
After receiving help to go to college, Rashad’s main goal was to continue in school and finish college. And as of today he is doing the same thing that had happened to him. He is helping those who are troubled, at risk, or those who didn’t have guidance or regular discussion about college.
Rashad shared with me his experience going to Livingstone College which is an HBCU in North Carolina and starting a career after college. He loved his time in college as he wants to support those who think they don’t have a chance. He had a nice bond with the president of the school who would give him words of wisdom like: “Education is the surest vehicle for upward mobility in this world and by getting a life out of Livingstone, you defy the odds everyday.”
Rashad has also helped me with scholarship opportunities. Financial support will help ease my stress around attending school and help me buy supplies I’ll need to be successful.
Due to my work with Rashad, I have been accepted into SF State, where I’ll most likely attend.
Going to college is still very nerve wracking for me as I’ll be on my own, but I remind myself that I have never struggled much when adjusting to new environments. Also I know I am not the only one going through this nerve wrecking path.
Not a lot of people like to ask for help when they are in need of it. Getting into college made me realize how important it is to ask for help and receive help.
Rashawn Joshua • Apr 15, 2024 at 7:12 pm
I would like say that it has been an absolute pleasure to get know Dom and assist him in this process of college selection and application. He has helped me become a better mentor and man. I could only assist as much as Dom would let me, his unwavering commitment to education and growth speaks to the future he will have. I only hope to be a small part of the bigger picture for this young man’s endeavors.