Student Spotlight

Angelique Colen thanks National College Resources for helping her achieve her dream of graduating from college and finding her passion. She just graduated Summa Cum Laude from Shaw University and has been admitted to the Social Work Masters program at USC. Over the summer she was acceptedto The Fund for American Studies summer internship program at Georgetown Universityin DC for the Schoolof Philanthropyand Voluntary Services. Angelique has a passion for helping others and especially young people. She wants a career that helps children with autism. Let's give a big congratulations to Angelique.

Dear Theresa,

I'm not even sure where to begin because the words "thank you" cannot begin to describe how grateful I am for how you've changed my life. When I was told that I had the opportunity to attend Shaw University I was thrilled, even though I knew nothing about the school nor did I fully understand what an HBCU was. All I knew was that the idea of spending four years across the country in North Carolina sounded exciting! Little did I know this experience would change my life forever. Within four years I've managed to discover my passion, join an amazing sisterhood, meet my bridesmaids, gain a whole new family on the east coast, and learn more about the African American culture than I could have ever imagined. Looking back at the past four years I can honestly say there is not one thing I would've done differently. My experience could not have been more fulfilling and I couldn't have imagined experiencing it anywhere other than Shaw University.

Throughout these four years I have received a great deal of support from various individuals, but I am well aware that I would not be where I am today if God had not placed you in my life. The selfless kindness you posses continues to amaze me, and I feel so blessed to have met you. There was never once a time where I couldn't lean on you for guidance or support, and I wanted to take the time out to truly let you know how much you have impacted my life. You have cared for and supported so many students like myself, and your unfailing assistance has provided me with the means to earn a bachelors degree while opening my eyes to a part of me that I was previously unfamiliar with. I am leaving college with a new found love for myself and my culture. I have never in my life been so proud to be African American and I thank you for providing me with such an amazing opportunity.

I've worked hard to make the most of my experience at Shaw. I'm proud to say I will be graduating summa cum laude with a final semester GPA of 4.0 and a cumulative GPA of 3.89, the highest GPA in my department. I also received the outstanding student for my major award which is awarded to one student from each major. I know the best way to thank you for all you've done is to stay focused so that one day I have the means to do for others what you've done for me and that is exactly what I plan to do. It's still hard for me to fathom how I was blessed enough to have met you, but I know God has a plan for me and He knew I couldn't begin achieving it without meeting you first. So thank you for everything Theresa, I would not be where I am today with you.

Love always,
Angelique Colen
Graduate Class 2011