Jade Jones (SEED DC ’24, Agnes Scott College ’28) is diving into her freshman year at Agnes Scott College, embracing new opportunities and building on foundations laid at SEED DC. As the inaugural recipient of the Boyden Gray Scholarship, she’s pursuing business and finance, fueled by a love for math discovered years ago. As she navigates her studies, explores her new Atlanta home, and looks toward the future, Jade does so with optimism.
Finding the Right Fit
Choosing the right college is a major step. Jade first encountered Agnes Scott College during a SEED DC college tour in her junior year and was drawn to its environment. "I really like Atlanta because it’s not too far away from home—and it has some similarities to DC," she explains. "Also, Agnes Scott isn’t overwhelming. It’s a small school with a great atmosphere.”
After receiving her acceptance letters, Jade carefully weighed her options with guidance from her SEED college success advisor, Parker Martin. “Ms. Parker helped me find the right college," Jade shares. "I was initially planning to go to St. John's University in New York, but when understanding the cost, I decided that enrolling at Agnes Scott College was a better fit.”
Connecting Through College: The Power of Support
That strong relationship with Ms. Martin has proven invaluable. SEED college success advisors begin working with students in high school and continue providing vital support throughout their college years—assisting with applications, financial aid, scholarships, and navigating the often-challenging transition to campus life. "Ms. Parker helped me a lot with figuring out my financial aid and what was left to be paid," Jade notes. "I’m a freshman, so I’ve never done this before.”
Financial support, such as scholarships, play a crucial role in making college accessible. "The Boyden Gray Scholarship funds are helping me pay for my classes," Jade explains, referring to the aid she's received. "After all my financial aid has been applied, I still have a balance, and this support helps to cover some of that." Beyond the crucial financial piece, settling into a new environment takes time. "Ms. Martin helped me transition here and get used to being here," Jade says.
A key component of SEED’s "intrusive advising" model is the College Outreach Visit (COV). Like all SEED graduates in their first year, Jade received an on-campus visit from Ms. Martin. These visits allow advisors to see students in their new element, ensure they're connecting with essential campus resources, and offer support and a familiar face far from home. For Jade, it was a welcome break.
“I love Ms. Martin! She is such a queen!” Jade laughs. “She came here in November to visit me and two SEED friends who attend nearby Georgia State University. Agnes Scott College and Georgia State University are about 15 minutes apart, so she toured both schools and then took us all out to eat at The Cheesecake Factory!”
A Love of Numbers: From SEED DC to College Courses
Jade's academic path in business and finance traces back to SEED DC, where she discovered her talent for math. She credits her middle school teacher for sparking that interest. “One of my favorite teachers was Mr. Rooks, my 7th and 8th grade math teacher," she recalls. " I always liked math—my interest in math began in elementary school. Mr. Rooks built upon that interest by making our lessons fun and less complicated. He would do math competitions with us.”
That enthusiasm for numbers continues at Agnes Scott. Jade is exploring how her interests apply to different career options through courses like macroeconomics, personal finance, organizational behavior, and a professional success class. She finds the learning environment engaging, particularly in one class: “My favorite course is business in society. The professor reminds me of Mr. Rooks. With her, it’s not just a lecture. She makes the lesson engaging and easy to understand.”
New Adventures: Exploring the World
Another passion sparked at SEED DC is Jade's growing love for travel. “I began my interest in traveling with SEED," she says. "I didn’t have my passport then, so whenever there were domestic travel opportunities I was sure to go. I joined the ski trip SEED had every year. We also went to Orlando, FL.”
Now, Agnes Scott College's study abroad opportunities offer exciting new horizons. Jade is already learning about the options and scholarships available and is planning her first international trip. "I’m looking forward to it! I’m going to Costa Rica for a week with 15 other girls to learn about the vegetation in Costa Rica, the universities there, and the country’s history." She sees this as just the beginning, adding, "I hope this will lead to me traveling more in the future, like studying abroad in Asia.”
As Jade Jones continues her journey of exploration and self-discovery at Agnes Scott College, she does so with confidence and curiosity. With the ongoing support of The SEED Foundation and her college success advisor, she's well-equipped to navigate challenges and seize the opportunities ahead—through college and beyond.