The idea of being the first person in my family to attend college was an honorable, yet nerve wrecking feeling. Questions like how can I afford college always lingered over my head. Having the passion to go to a four year university, I was never really fond of the idea of community college and wanted to stay on campus, play sports, and have the time of my life. Knowing that I had pending college questions that needed to be answered, I decided to join the Free Library of College Prep Program held at Abraham Lincoln High School. This program was taught by College Prep Specialist Aisha Alexander and was designed to assist high schoolers with the college process, including SAT test taking skills, essay writing techniques, scholarships, internships, and so much more. When I attended the program for the first time in the spring of 2013 I thought it would be a drag and a waist of my time. Then I was welcomed by Ms. Aisha's enthusiastic personality, welcoming remarks, and awesome knowledge. I thought to myself "well...let me give this program a try" and kept progressing, taking my goals one step at a time! Before I knew I started to love this program and would count down the days to work on scholarships, internships, and SAT problems.

Additionally, despite my initial hesitation, Ms. Aisha helped me see how I could save money starting off at a two year community college and still be on track to achieve my 4 year college goals. After some research I discovered I could still help fun, join clubs, and even take a job while going to community college. She also assisted with my not so great personality trait of procrastination, offering techniques to better keep track of important college milestones and scholarship deadlines. As a current student at Delaware County Community College in Media, PA, I can now look back and appreciate how my experience with the College Prep Program created a strong foundation...one that I often use in day to day activities as a college freshman. I will admit that some days are harder than other,s but I refuse to quit, remembering Ms. Aisha's words of wisdom; "If you really want something then don't ever stop in the mix of achieving that goal." I am proud to say I made it through my first semester at Delaware County Communty College with As and Bs and it's a great thanks to the Free Library of Philadelphia. Thank you!

Tashana Roache
Abraham Lincoln HS Class of 2014

For more information, please contact:

Free Library of Philadelphia
The Office of Public Service Support (TOPSS)
College Prep Program
1901 Vine Street, Room 5A
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Office: 215-567-2162
Fax: 215-686-5374
Email: collegeprep@freelibrary.org
Website: http://collegeprep.freelibrary.wikispaces.net/
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