Getting to and through college is tough! Our team understands that unexpected events can derail a student’s plan for college completion.
According to Great Schools, cost, lack of academic preparation, lack of counseling support, and improper fit are the top reasons students don’t secure their college degrees. To ensure that our students don’t fall prey to these pitfalls and to unexpected challenges, our College Transition & Success advisors are hard at work throughout the year. Talia Harris (SEED DC ‘08) briefly took a break from her college studies, but her determination led her to seek support when deciding to re-enroll. Thanks to the individualized attention and expert advising she received from her college success advisor, Talia is now a college graduate, with a fulfilling career in the nonprofit sector.
“When I decided to continue my studies, SEED was my first stop. I wanted to make sure I got it right. My advisor helped me to reenroll and helped me get an internship at The SEED Foundation.”
Read below for more on Talia’s journey.
What college or university did you attend?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in political science from Trinity Washington University, in Washington, DC.
How was your transition from SEED to college?
My transition from SEED to college was exactly what I needed it to be—seamless. I was equipped academically, and I had the tools to continue growing personally.
At the start of my college career, I felt prepared to understand, promote, and debate political arguments; author well-written research and position papers; confidently convey my thoughts and ideas verbally; and, think critically about political theory, international relations, comparative politics, and more. I graduated summa cum laude, was inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Did you stay connected to SEED while in college?
I did not stay connected with SEED during my transition phase. I took some time away from school because I needed to refocus. However, even when I wasn’t reaching out, my college success advisor never stopped reaching for me.
When I reenrolled in school, I also began interning at The SEED Foundation. Since graduating, I have made sure to stay connected to SEED. I have participated in visioning exercises for the SEED Network, attended fundraising events, served as a SEED Graduate Ambassador, and more.
What have you done since graduating from college?
I have worked at two nonprofits. At Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, I served as a program associate for the Economic Mobility project. (Check out a final report that I helped produce.) I am currently at Earthjustice, where I am serving in a dual role—lobbying manager and project and administrative manager.
In addition to my official roles at Earthjustice, I founded and lead an affinity group for Black staff at Earthjustice. Aside from work, I volunteer regularly as a coach/mentor with high school students as part of For Love of Children’s college and career readiness program.
How did your experience at SEED impact you?
My experience at SEED impacted me in many ways—some of which didn’t become apparent until well after I graduated. Through SEED, I was provided many exposure opportunities, and I grew as a result of it. I'll always remember and be thankful for SEED, as it played a part in making me who I am today.