My acceptance to West Chester University was based on a mandatory three course, six week summer session two weeks after my high school graduation. The Academic Development Program, also known as ADP, was intended to help acclimate students who struggled in math skills or writing competency. Each accepted student was unique in their academic pitfalls, but the University provided this program in order to reinforce expected college proficiency. Skills in math and writing were only half of what I learned at the completion of a five and a half year college career. The other half included a tremendous responsibility, determination and the ability to multi-task.
Most high school graduates were enjoying the freedom from grade school and anticipating the start of the next chapter in their lives. My next chapter began two weeks post-graduation, and suddenly, the people I loved and knew so well became distance sources of support and reassurance. Family, friends and a high school sweetheart were only a two hour public transportation ride away, but it felt like they were across the globe. The summer of 2006 commenced, a chapter in my book that will never be forgotten.
The Academic Development Program introduced me to new people and way of life. ADP was anomalous to academic boot camp. Each student was required to have at least three classes depending upon the subject in which they struggled. Students were required to have tutors and a rigorous schedule which caused us to be up by eight o’clock every morning. We were to stay on campus throughout the week, however students were permitted to leave some weekends. Due to the intense schedule, students were strongly advised not to occupy part time jobs. My performance in the program was extraordinary. I did so well in the program that I received a scholarship and was inducted into the Chi Phi Epsilon honor society. This organization was one in which I pledged in the classroom to complete and pass assignments beyond expectations. The program served its purpose, I completed the program with a 3.0 GPA and met dozens of new friends, professors and advisors that would help me through the complex remainder of my college career. Little did I know, the beginning was nothing like the end.
I began my first fall semester as an undeclared major. I figured it didn’t matter because all freshmen needed to complete a certain number of credits in prerequisites. My course load started with only 12 credits, which already placed me behind in graduating in the four year plan. I took various classes which never had any direction, yet I choose them because I was interested in them. My academic focus drifted, and partying, making money and traveling home to see friends and my sweetheart caused the climax in this chapter of my book.
For me, class became a little less mandatory, and my social life was top priority. Even though my parents, and other family members supported me financially, I still wanted my own extra cash to spend frivolously. Therefore I spent the majority of my time working and spending the money shopping, partying and simply enjoying my youth. I felt like I missed this portion of my life between graduating high school and college. By slacking in my classes, and barely passing, I thought I was giving myself a break. A break was far gone when I got pregnant the summer of 2008 by my high school sweet heart. I decided to keep my baby and embark on the remainder of my college career as a single mother. Yes, single, my high school sweetheart and I didn’t exactly work out as planned. We still remain friends today, but my independence would not allow our relationship to work. What was left of my college career was a test of my faith and determination to succeed as a single parent.
My focus shifted tremendously. With less time to party, and less money to spend, concentrating on my goals became more apparent. Commuting back and forth to West Chester from my home, which is right outside of Philadelphia, made the journey to graduation seem so distant. Long nights in the library, and early mornings dropping my daughter off to her school overwhelmed my daily schedule, not to mention work. I decided to become a professional studies major with a minor in studio art and journalism. Photography was the one subject that I knew I was passionate about, and previous photography and art classes helped fulfill my studio art minor. The University does not offer a photojournalism minor, therefore I took journalism separately. As I began to fulfill my niche in life, opportunities arrived to me in abundance. I began to practice freelance photography, and in the process I met many people who assisted me in learning about photography as a business. Eventually I began booking photography jobs for events, photos shoots, and weddings. Outside of the classroom I became really engaged with my daughter, photography, and a job as a salesperson at Nordstrom, not to mention balancing my schoolwork. With having such a busy schedule, I truly appreciated and valued my time with friends and family.
Today, my daughter is two years old, and my motivation revolves around her. I am not sure how my life would have been if it weren’t for her, but I thank God everyday for her, and the decisions I have made in life thus far. After graduation I plan to attend graduate school for business, to continue photographing, and raising my beautiful daughter. My journey in life has just begun, but the path I am taking has taught me the foundation to success.
Dominique Perry is a fifth-year student majoring in professional studies major with a minor in journalism and studio art. She can be reached at DP633925@wcupa.edu.