Embracing Community and Growth at DGCA

Abdullah Aljaberi, Charter School of Wilmington, Class of 2027

Initially, I approached the Delaware Goes to College Academy (DGCA) with TeenSHARP as a means to make productive use of my spring break while fulfilling my role as a TeenSHARP student leader. However, within just two days of immersing myself in the program, I was surprised by the sense of community and connection it offered. DGCA wasn’t just an educational endeavor; it was a welcoming family of panelists and peers who genuinely cared about each other’s well-being and success.

The panelists played a pivotal role in shaping my DGCA experience, going beyond their roles as educators to become mentors and friends. Their willingness to share personal stories and provide guidance created an environment where I felt supported and understood. The interactive nature of the breakout rooms fostered collaboration among participants, leading to meaningful connections and shared learning experiences. One of the most significant lessons I gleaned from DGCA pertains to resilience and open-mindedness. The idea of never accepting “no” for the right reasons resonated deeply with me, serving as a guiding principle that I am committed to incorporating into all aspects of my academic and extracurricular pursuits. Additionally, the importance of remaining open-minded emerged as a recurrent theme, reminding me to embrace new opportunities and perspectives with eagerness and curiosity.

Beyond the practical skills gained for college preparation, DGCA offered a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Through engaging discussions and activities, I uncovered hidden strengths and gained clarity on my academic and professional path. As I reflect on my time at DGCA, I am grateful for the impact it had on me, instilling a sense of purpose and belonging that extends far beyond the program. With the support of my DGCA family, I am locked in (an inside joke from the Zoom chat) to excel in the challenges of the college admissions process and beyond with confidence and resilience.

I want to say thank you to Ms. Amanda, Mr. Atnre, Ms. Debbie, Ms. Zoha, Matt Meyer, Daniela Rosiles, Bolu Aminu, Nathan Wachira, Flematu Fofana, Rayelee McDonald, and all who helped for the work they put in and the love they showed for us.

For more information about TeenSHARP and the STRIVER program, visit TeenSHARP.org.

About TeenSHARP:
TeenSHARP is a national nonprofit that prepares Black, Latino, and low-income students to attend and thrive at America’s top colleges with little or no debt. Founded in 2009 by Atnre Alleyne and Tatiana Poladko, TeenSHARP has evolved into a leading provider of innovative, at-scale college access and leadership development. Year after year, 100 percent of TeenSHARP scholars successfully pursue a 4-year college education, with 95 percent admitted to the most selective colleges; and the majority graduating with $15,000 or less in college debt. TeenSHARP’s mission is in service of a bold vision that, one day, the diversity of our country’s top jobs and most influential leadership positions will reflect the country’s rich diversity.