Kelsie
Brighter Horizon Scholar
Meet Kelsie
Being the first in my family to graduate from college will not only change my life, but the lives of others around me. I had to overcome many obstacles, including losing my mother. Thanks for helping me to make a difference in this world.
Our Scholars
The Brighter Horizon Foundation is driven by the unique stories of each individual student. We recognize the passion and perseverance of our scholars and provide the support and resources necessary, so they can overcome any challenge. We invite you to meet our scholars and hear their inspiring stories.
Meet Kelsie.
Kelsie is the oldest of five in a blended unconventional family. She faced many challenges beginning at a young age, but she triumphed through times of division and hardship in her family, and always did her best to care for those around her. Through her hardships she learned skills of determination, a good work ethic, and empathy. Her mother was her anchor of support and friendship, and always encouraged her to make a better life for herself by getting a solid education. Unfortunately, her mother’s life was shortened due to cancer.
The loss of her mother took a toll on Kelsie, but she never strayed from her goal of becoming a teacher, even if it meant only taking one class at a time. Her mother had always displayed a passion and determination in all that she did, and Kelsie carried on that legacy. Kelsie was offered a partial scholarship to La Verne University but was unable to cover the rest. Undeterred, she moved on to a community college to study early childhood development. Her journey through college was delayed by starting a family of her own. She became a mother to two boys who are now age of one and two and a half years. Her world was completely changed but she never stopped working toward her dream while striving to be a caring mother.
Being the first in her family to get a college education was so powerful that no obstacle could pull her away from making her mother and family proud. Kelsie continues to strive towards receiving her bachelors and someday a graduate degree in education and early childhood development. Brighter Horizon Foundation will provide an opportunity for her to complete her degree at Grand Canyon University. We are so excited to help her along her journey, and know that she will make a difference in the lives of countless children.
This will change the path of my life. I hope to be a role model and mentor for my younger siblings, and I will do all I can to help other students who are trying to rise above their circumstances to achieve their goal of furthering their education.
Our Success Stories
Kalice
Kalice
“This will change the path of my life, and I will do all I can to reach back and help other students who are trying to rise above their circumstances to achieve the goal of furthering their education.”
Kalice had to suspend her education after her sophomore year at Howard University due to financial hardship. She is ecstatic to be returning and anticipates graduating with her Bachelor’s in 2021. Kalice wants to pursue a career in Public Relations and Marketing.
Jamie
Jamie
“Being a first generation college student, I have navigated the process of applying for aid and scholarships without much insight. This opportunity will help me pursue my education without the burden of financial hardships, and attend the school of my choice.”
Jamie graduated from Abington Friends School, and is the recipient of the Ronald A. Hammond Scholarship, one of the University of Miami’s highest academic honors! Jamie will start at ‘The U’ in the Fall, and plans to pursue a dual major in Business and Computer Science with minors in African Studies and Spanish.
Myles
Myles
“I learned at an early age the benefits that a college education can provide. For me, it means an opportunity to grow as a person, become independent and live a successful life. I will be able to pursue a career I’m passionate about instead of working a job to make ends meet.”
Myles will graduate from Central High School in 2020, and plans to pursue a degree in Engineering or Mathematics. He attends several extracurricular programs including Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia and Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE).
Safiyyah
Safiyyah
“Being a Brighter Horizon Scholar is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I am grateful for the financial assistance to realize my dream to have a career in Construction Management.”
Safiyyah will graduate from George Washington Carver High School in 2020. She intends to major in Civil Engineering and pursue and career in Construction Management. Safiyyah is on the robotics team and in 2019 was awarded the distinguished Good Citizen Award by The Union League of Philadelphia.
Barry
Barry
“No one in my family has attained a college degree, and it would be one of the biggest accomplishments of my life. Brighter Horizon will help me remove the barriers hindering achieving my goal of becoming a Computer Engineer.”
Barry will graduate from Parkway Center City High School in 2020. He intends to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering or Science. Barry holds an office in student government, and is on the Parkway volleyball team. He also attends the Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia program, and his goal is to attend Drexel University!
Michaeya
Michaeya
“I want to become a Veterinarian or a Veterinarian technician, because my passion is to save the lives of animals who are sick or abandoned. This has been my dream since I was a young girl. Brighter Horizon will give me the best chance of being able to complete my degree so I can pursue my goals.”
Michaeya will graduate from Bodine High School of International Affairs in 2020. She has a passion for and love of animals, and plans to major in animal science. Her goal is to pursue a career as a Doctor or Veterinary Medicine. Michaeya is interested in attending a Historically Black College or University (HCBU)!
Aisha
Aisha
“To pursue a successful career in the healthcare industry, I know that attaining a college education will be essential. Being the first individual to go to college in my family, Brighter Horizion’s guidance will be critical to help me navigate this process and enable me to achieve my dream.”
Aisha is a junior at Jules E. Mastbaum and plans to pursue a career in nursing.
Amira
Amira
“I am the first one in my family to attend a university so this would be a major accomplishment for me. I was inspired to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse when two of my family members passed away from cancer. Brighter Horizon will help me achieve my career goal.”
Amira graduated from Eastern University Academy Charter in 2019. She is attending Gywnedd Mercy University pursuing her passion for nursing, and playing collegiate volleyball!
Malik
Malik
“I view life as a series of opportunities. It’s important to capitalize and learn from them. Be different with no apologies. Wasting time trying to strive for perfection will only set you back even further.”
Malik is a junior at Philadelphia’s Cristo Rey High School, and plans to major in Psychology and Education. His goal is to receive his Doctorate!
Virgen
Virgen
“As a child, I watched my family struggle and face many obstacles. My story is less about those life challenges and much more about the people who have played an essential role in my transition to college. I will be the first in my family to pursue a college degree and organizations like Brighter Horizon will help me pave the way to a successful career.”
Vee is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health in Counseling from Drexel University, Class of 2021.
Vonyeh
Vonyeh
“The opportunity to be able to attend college is amazing. College sets you up not only for the next four years but for the rest of your life. It’s the place where I will be able to find myself and ensure my future success.”
Vonyeh is a junior at Burlington High School in Burlington, New Jersey. She plans to major in Business.
Camya
Camya
“Neither of my parents have graduated from college and as a result, it was hard for them to provide for their children. I watched my mother struggle to take care of us, and I don’t want to experience those same struggles. I love my parents with all my heart, but I want to give myself and my family a different life, and being in this program will make that possible.”
Camya is a junior at Hill Freeman World Academy, and would like to pursue a career in healthcare.
Jaymaba
Jaymaba
Jaymaba will graduate from The Philadelphia High For Girls in 2021. She is involved in many programs that grow from her passion and interest in STEM, healthcare, and higher education. Jaymaba is the Co-founder of College and Career Readiness at her school and participates in the Girls’ One Diaspora internship. She plans to pursue a career as a physician, along with venturing into Public Health.