My advice to all students is you don't have to be forced into the traditional route if it doesn't work for you. Other options may fit your needs better. Try them!
Hi, my name is Bradford Hayes Jr. I am a transfer student, a student-athlete, and a proud Gateway U alum! Gateway U came at the perfect time. I just finished my fall semester, and the pandemic happened. Everyone was confused. Would we ever be in person again, and would I live out my football dreams as a student-athlete? In addition to the pandemic, things were not going my way, and I left my former school. At this point, college and my football dreams started to seem impossible. During this time, My KIPP college counselor connected me to Gateway U and convinced me to give them a chance. I was a little hesitant, but I grew a bond with Ms. Nah during the application process. She assured me that they could help me get credits and transfer to my next destination during this idle time. At Gateway U, I felt safe and supported. I wasn't just a number. But it all wasn't easy.
Adjusting to the academic review process at Gateway U was a little challenging for me. But I learned that the reviewing process makes you a better student. It helped me focus on the details. In a traditional setting, you normally receive a grade on an assignment or project and that’s it. At Gateway U, you get to receive feedback and the opportunity to make that assignment or project better until you've mastered it. I think that's what college should be, a place where you can feel safe to practice, safe to fail, and not be judged or looked at as if you're just a GPA number. We are so much more than that. Gateway U helped me regain my confidence in my work, and now I'm off to play football for my next school!
My advice to all students is you don't have to be forced into the traditional route if it doesn't work for you. Other options may fit your needs better. Try them!
See you all on the gridiron