An example of a time in my life when words hurt me

It happened when I was applying for colleges to attend while completing my studies at the community college. I went to see an admissions counselor at the University of Illinois in Chicago. The gentleman was very kind at the beginning of the meeting. He greeted me in a respectful manner and proceeded to ask me questions. He wanted to find out what program I was interested in enrolling and why I was interested in this field of study. He later asked about the high school I attended and what community college I would be transferring from. Then it happened, he took a look at my transcripts and said, “oh you’ll never make it here with these grades.” “If you have a high C average at the community college your grade point will drop at least one letter grade.” This coming from an admissions counselor, someone who was suppose to be encouraging, and to top it off, a black man. Wasn’t it suppose to be his job to council me on the expectations, explain what it takes to be successful at a four year college and provide the necessary information for me to determine whether I would be willing to take on this challenge. Well he didn’t. Instead, he deflated me. In that moment, I felt as though someone had knocked the wind out of me. Tears welted up in my eyes and a sense of sadness consumed me. It took everything in me to hold back the tears that wanted to flow. I held back all the tears and just listened. I listened the best I could because at this point I don’t remember what else he may have said. I had completely shut down. I was just there. The last thing I remember him saying is, “do you have any other questions?” This was my out so to speak. I said no and got out of his office as fast as I could. Once I was outside of the build that is when my sorrow turned to rage. How dare he, he didn’t know me, didn’t know what I did while attending the community college and he never asked. I attempted to justify my grade point average by explaining that I worked two jobs while attending school just to pay tuition. It wasn’t like my mom had the money to pay for my schooling or understood how important it was to me to attend school full time.
Now as I look back on that time, I should probable thank the guy. I mean, the fear of failing when I finally transferred from the community college is what motivated me to do so well. I realized two things on that day: First, I was going to prove him wrong. I’d show him. My grades would improve, and they did, and I would send him a copy of my transcripts just so he’d know. Secondly, I would not be attending the University of Illinois at Chicago. These decisions helped me find the best undergraduate college in Illinois, Illinois State University. This was the school I attended and received both my Baccalaureate and a Masters degree. At Illinois State University I received the best experience and academic support ever. For this I thank that U of I admissions counselor.

Advertisement