Role: Alumni

As a senior at Barnard College majoring in American studies, Dariela Morrobel Villar had an open mind about what she wanted to do after college. Watching the rise of TikTok and seeing content related to careers in tech, she started to learn more about project management, which appealed to her because of its non-specialized nature … Continued

Mekhi Addison, a senior at Louisiana State University’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences, exemplifies the power of purpose, curiosity, and courage to evolve. She began her college journey as a psychology major, determined to make a difference in the American healthcare system and to advocate for mental wellness in underserved communities—especially among children. Her … Continued

Brielle Velez, a proud graduate of Camden Prep’s founding class, is currently making waves at Vanderbilt University. Knowing that she wanted to attend a Top 20 university, she strategically chose applying Early Decision to improve her chances of acceptance. Transitioning from Camden, New Jersey, to Nashville, Tennessee, has exposed her to a range of cultures … Continued

Zacchaeus Greene, a sophomore at Denison University, is charting a remarkable path defined by curiosity, community, and academic ambition. Coming to Denison, Zacchaeus found connection and joy in unexpected places—like joining an acappella group filled with students who, like him, simply love music. Despite not being music majors, they’ve created a tight-knit community where shared … Continued

Mackenzie Morrison, a determined biology major on a pre-nursing track, returned to college for the Fall 2024 semester with a renewed sense of purpose. She initially stepped away from her studies due to mental health challenges, but always intended to return once she had reached a place of stability. After an injury at Trader Joe’s … Continued

Rashad Barrow is a proud graduate of Uncommon Leadership Charter High School, class of 2024, and a first-year student in the Culinary Arts program at Kingsborough Community College. As a freshman, Rashad is learning that teamwork, time management, and kitchen safety are key to success. Most of the learning is hands-on, but he says it’s … Continued

Ashton Coppin graduated from UCC in 2022 and initially enrolled at SUNY Purchase. However, after facing challenges applying to college during the pandemic and not being able to fully engage in courses he enjoyed, he decided to take a year off. During his time away from school, Ashton worked full-time at Macy’s while searching for … Continued

Meet Omotola Akinsiku, a first-year student at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, where she’s studying Public Health and living on campus. Omotola’s journey to Rutgers was fueled by the university’s strong offerings.  Starting her college career with intentionality and drive, Omotola embraced the opportunity to step out of her comfort zone, a personal goal she set for … Continued

Say hello to Gigi Gebre Giorgis, a 2024 Roxbury Prep graduate and freshman at Emmanuel College in Boston, MA! Gigi has known she wanted to pursue a career in the healthcare field for some time, which motivated her to participate in the Harvard Med Science program during high school 2.0 and enter Emmanuel as an … Continued

Meet Nastasjia Burke, a proud member of the Class of 2024 at Uncommon Prep Charter High School and now a thriving freshman at her dream school, George Washington University (GWU). Nastasjia’s journey to GWU was no smooth feat—she spent what felt like an eternity on the waitlist. But her unwavering faith and determination paid off, … Continued

Like many of our students, family plays a central role in D’Anfernee Cush’s life. D’Anfernee’s mother wanted him to stay in-state for college, but gave him the option to leave New York if he earned a full scholarship—and guess what? He did just that! Meet D’Anfernee Cush, a member of ULC’s class of 2024 and … Continued

Nardelle’s freshman year at Fordham was eye-opening. She earned a full ride to Fordham University and lived on campus, but faced the harsh reality of microaggressions and harmful stereotypes—a sad experience for many students in higher education. Proactively, Nardelle voiced her concerns to the school, though it was an uphill battle. Balancing coursework, time management, … Continued

We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible journey and achievements of Ahshar Brown. After graduating from North Star Academy- Washington Park with an impressive GPA well over a 4.0, Ahshar has continued to shine academically at Emory University. Initially starting as a computer science major, Ahshar soon realized that coding at the college level wasn’t … Continued

Taijuan Ferrell, a proud member of Rochester Prep High School’s Class of 2018, is now on the cusp of completing his academic journey at Niagara University. After high school, Taijuan enrolled at Niagara with aspirations of earning his degree, but his path was soon derailed by the unforeseen challenges of the pandemic and the ensuing … Continued

Sai Igiede is flourishing as an Uncommon alum. He is an exercise science major at UMass Lowell with a minor in applied biomedical sciences. Sai is also on the pre-physician assistant track, and hopes to apply to PA school upon his college graduation. While he’s had his ups and downs academically, Sai has shown impressive … Continued

Zavier Perez has long enjoyed projects that involved working with his hands, and was always adept at wiring and setting up electronics–everything from home repairs to entertainment systems. After high school, he utilized grants and other financial aid to enroll in the Electrical Engineering and Systems track at Lincoln Tech in Union, NJ. Over the … Continued

Christina Anglin’s journey through college has been nothing short of inspiring, a testament to unwavering persistence and the power of intentionality. A 2019 graduate of Uncommon Preparatory Charter High School, she embarked on her college adventure at Lehigh University with excitement and determination. However, challenges soon arose, testing her resolve in ways she hadn’t imagined.  … Continued

Adiatu Jalloh’s collegiate experience at Montclair State University is a testament to her determination and resilience. Graduating in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Adiatu navigated significant challenges while balancing her roles as a student, wife, and mother. One pivotal challenge during her freshman year was the birth of her son. … Continued

Tianna Elliott, the esteemed former senior class president of Uncommon Leadership Charter, is lighting up the halls of Adelphi University with her enthusiasm and remarkable achievements in her inaugural year. Immersed in the captivating realm of Criminal Justice, with a keen focus on Forensics, Tianna’s academic journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication. During … Continued

Reporting live, Jah’Neyce Washington class of 2020 is ready to graduate! Jah’Neyce spent 4 years at St. Bonaventure University studying Broadcast Journalism where she worked hard not only in the classroom, but to build her professional portfolio. Entering college in the tumultuous COVID environment, it would have been easy to opt out, and do the … Continued

We are excited to showcase the inspiring journey of Amari Glover, a third-year Criminology and Justice major at Loyola University- New Orleans. As the only student from Uncommon Schools to attend Loyola, Amari has carved a path of unique challenges and triumphs, exemplifying what it means to be a trailblazer. Amari’s choice to attend Loyola … Continued

Joselyn Quinsa, a spring 2023 UCHS graduate, is making the most of her Spring semester at Case Western Reserve University, enrolled in 14 credits while balancing her commitments with grace and dedication. With a cumulative GPA of 3.5, Joselyn’s academic performance reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence as she pursues a degree in Business Management. … Continued

What are you working on now? I most recently shot a feature film with Cory Feldman called the 3-2 Pulldown, which will circulate film festivals this upcoming year, and I currently have a Tide X NFL commercial currently airing on TV so be on the lookout. How did you get to where you are? I … Continued

What are you working on now? I work for a digital mental health app called BeMe health. BeMe is a mobile mental health platform to improve teen well-being by bringing together the best aspects of digital media, live support, and clinical care. I’m the Coaching lead on the clinical team. In my role I contribute … Continued

Jessica Rosado graduated from NSAWPHS in 2022, and currently attends Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio. Jessica is double majoring in Law and Society and Hispanic Studies. Jessica is a stellar student, having earned 16 credits during the fall 2022 semester, 28 cumulative credits and a cumulative GPA of 4.16. By the end of the spring … Continued

What are you working on now? Are you in college? If so, what’s your major? Why have you chosen this major? I am an upcoming graduate of Vassar College, graduating with a BA in Cognitive Science with a minor in Economics. I chose Cognitive Science because of its interdisciplinary approach to studying the brain, body, … Continued

Elijah Agyemang, UCHS ’17, always had an interest in computer programming, but he hesitated about pursuing this passion initially because he felt like he wasn’t proficient enough to join the coding club at his school. In order to teach himself, he did coding camps online and watched YouTube videos to develop his skills. Elijah attended … Continued

Natasha Lewis, UCHS ’18, first became passionate about financial literacy during her junior year of high school. A teacher worked with an outside organization that came to the school on Thursdays to teach students about savings, credit, and investing. Natasha became aware of more people in her community that need to learn about these topics, … Continued

Ya’Nassia Whetstone’s journey is nothing less than inspiring. She is unafraid of obstacles and is always driven to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals. With her work ethic and communication skills, Ya’Nassia has always been equipped to work around any challenging situation. In high school she consistently stayed busy by participating in numerous activities that … Continued

Shary is a junior Criminal Justice and Political Science major at St. John Fisher University. As part of the HEOP program Shary was not convinced that Fisher was going to be the place for her. Her first semester was in the throws of COVID so she was not only adapting to life at a predominately … Continued

Stanaelle is flourishing in her first year at Bowdoin College. She is constantly pushing herself both academically and socially on this lively campus. Shortly after starting classes in the fall, she discovered her passion for psychology and hopes to one day become a psychologist, opening her own practice. She has a true desire to help … Continued

Folusho Olawole graduated from UCC in 2018. She went on to Franklin and Marshall, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Neuroscience in 2022. Originally intending to be pre-med, she completed a couple of research and internship opportunities in chemistry and public health. After experiencing the field, she began to think about … Continued

Samantha, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, graduated from Uncommon Leadership Charter in June of 2022. Samantha was accepted and committed to York College, a CUNY in Jamaica, Queens, where she is finishing her first year as a nursing major. Samantha’s love for babies motivated her to study nursing in hopes of becoming a Neonatal … Continued

Katherine Santana is on the verge of completing her first year at Monmouth University. It seems like just yesterday she was moving on to campus for the five-week summer program through the Education Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program. Being a part of the summer program created the path for her to have a smooth transition to … Continued

April Kirkland is a former UPC Raptor from the class of 2022. She is a rising sophomore attending Muhlenberg College and her first year has been nothing short of amazing. As a first-generation college student, April’s tenacity, drive, and positive mindset has helped her excel in her first year of college. April entered Muhlenberg as … Continued

Kayla Miller graduated from UCHS in 2021, and currently attends Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. As an Environmental Studies major and English Literature minor, Kayla has done a phenomenal job at not only maintaining a cumulative GPA of a 3.52, but she has also been involved in tons of environmental justice initiatives both on and … Continued

To, Through & Beyond Many Uncommon alumni have not only met the challenge of making it to and through college, but have gone on to access an advanced degree beyond their bachelor’s. For three Uncommon alumni pursuing an advanced degree directly after graduating with their undergraduate degree, it is not only an accomplishment for themselves … Continued

To, Through & Beyond  Many Uncommon alumni have not only met the challenge of making it to and through college, but have gone on to access an advanced degree beyond their bachelor’s. For three Uncommon alumni pursuing an advanced degree directly after graduating with their undergraduate degree, it is not only an accomplishment for themselves … Continued

To, Through & Beyond  Many Uncommon alumni have not only met the challenge of making it to and through college, but have gone on to access an advanced degree beyond their bachelor’s. For three Uncommon alumni pursuing an advanced degree directly after graduating with their undergraduate degree, it is not only an accomplishment for themselves … Continued

“I don’t really remember when we met that well, but Angel says it was the first couple days of school. We were in the same 8th grade advisory of UCLA, and we were doing a student BINGO Icebreaker. He approached me, and I signed his box confirming I was born in Mexico. The rest was … Continued

“What is meant for you, will always find you, as long as you’re willing to work for it.” Emmett Jones stands by this motto and is a living testament that with hard work, you will end up exactly where you’re supposed to be. As a storytelling entrepreneur, Emmett continues to hone his craft by challenging … Continued

A powerhouse to be reckoned with, Chynah Tyler represents the 7th Suffolk District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and serves as chair of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. Beyond the amazing work Chynah does with the Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mission Hill communities in the Boston area, she continues to give back to … Continued

There has been no doubt in Ally’s mind that fashion was the industry for her. In her search for a college, she knew she needed to find a place that would allow her to explore that. Now as a senior at Marist College she gets to study fashion merchandising through an intensive immersive learning program … Continued

Zhane Flowers has always had a deep love for the beauty industry. Dating back to her younger years, she was heavily into modeling. She loved the rush of backstage, the excitement of being in front of the camera, and the ability to network with hundreds of other models, which has had a huge impact on … Continued

Tariah has demonstrated a strong passion and dedication to her education. Since fall 2021, she has made the Deans List, consistently earning over a 3.5 GPA each semester. As she transitions into her junior year at Howard University, as a Media, Journalism & Film major and Spanish minor, she is looking for opportunities in the … Continued

O’Shaun wanted to find a place where he could put 100% of his effort, and this realistically could have been anywhere, but it didn’t feel like anywhere genuinely wanted or provided a culture of commitment, accomplishment, and exercise until he found The Marcy Lab School. The Marcy Lab School is a place where you can … Continued

Many students leverage a community college education as a stepping-stone to access a four-year college and earn a bachelor’s degree. If you are considering a 2-year to 4-year college pathway, be sure to consider the following questions to help you backwards plan: Does the two-year college have a special transfer relationship — often called an … Continued

In December of 2021, Ashley Williams graduated with a bachelor’s degree from CUNY City College after many trials and tribulations, but most importantly, perseverance—and she feels like she has finally conquered her Goliath. Ashley started her college journey in 2016 at Spelman College. After realizing the financial bind that she was in at Spelman, Ashley … Continued

Abena Tetteh, UCHS ’17, is no stranger to taking risks. As a high school student, Abena was always passionate about the haircare industry and used her summer experiences to explore and amplify that passion, but she admittedly did not think of cosmetology as a viable career path until years later. Abena’s inspiring journey from Ithaca … Continued