Since coming to SEED DC in the tenth grade, SEED Foundation Scholarship recipient Kristin (SEED DC ’25) has found the confidence to take flight, supported by the close relationships she has forged with her peers and the adults at SEED DC.
A tight-knit community
Kristin always wanted to go to boarding school. Before she learned about SEED DC, though, it did not seem like a realistic dream. “I did research on other boarding schools, and they were either a trillion dollars or too far from home. But SEED DC was a viable option for me. It was close to my home, and it would be free to my family.” Kristin learned about SEED DC when she was in ninth grade. The school she was enrolled in at the time was not a good fit—it was too big for her, and she found it hard to get involved in activities at the school. “I wanted to go to a boarding school for the community that I thought it would provide. I wanted to create a sisterhood with friends. I also wanted to get used to going to college before going to college. “
Getting her mother on board with her desire to enroll at a college-prep boarding school took some effort, but eventually she agreed it was a good option for Kristin. “When I talked to my mom about enrolling at SEED DC, she was apprehensive about having her daughter gone during the week. But after she learned more, she began to feel more comfortable. I am headstrong—so I was persistent!”
Exploring opportunities
Since coming to SEED DC, Kristin has discovered all sorts of activities to get involved in on campus—and far from campus as well! “The opportunities at SEED have definitely broadened my horizons. I have learned so much about different types of people, cultures, and ways to express myself.”
She has participated in theater, dance, and study abroad programs. Though, to participate in many of these activities, Kristin had a big hurdle to clear—a fear of flying. “The first time that I traveled to Atlanta with the SEED Falcon Theatre was in my 10th grade year. We went to the Junior Theater Festival (JTF) in Atlanta. I served as the sound technician and helped to determine when they would perform or set up the cues for when to play the music. I was terrified of planes then, but I really wanted to see my peers compete.” Kristin’s appetite for new experiences continues to override her apprehension about air travel, and it is getting easier. “I haven’t completely got over my fear of planes—but it has gotten much better, especially since SEED has put me on so many! I’ve also been to San Franciso and Greece.”
Strength in sisterhood
Kristin found the community she was looking for at SEED DC, where she has forged deep connections with her peers, especially the other girls she lives with in her dorm during the week. Her friends have encouraged her to take part in new activities—even those that have pushed her past her comfort zone. “I’ve built very close bonds with my roommates—they are my closest allies. I found the sisterhood that I was looking for in them. I wouldn’t have been in the theater troupe if it wasn’t for my friends—and I especially would not have gone to Greece. They help me academically and mentally. They are my pillars.”
New destinations await
Almost halfway through her senior year, Kristin is looking forward to graduation and making plans for her next steps. Kristin dreams of being a civil engineer. She and her sister have a vision of building “a safe place for teens and children that are in homes where they don’t feel secure.” “I love creating things”, says Kristin, “so I want to help her create these spaces as a civil engineer.”
To realize her dreams, Kristin is applying to colleges, learning about financial aid and scholarships, and preparing for the academic and social environment she will find on campus. She has support from her SEED DC college counselor and The SEED Foundation College Transition & Success program as she navigates the path from high school to college.
“My college counselor Ms. Scott is my like best friend. She is there for me anytime I need her. She’s always accessible, always answers my questions, and is very kind and loving. She helps us apply for college, complete the FAFSA, and learn about how to save money when we get to college. She shares tips to help us prepare and talks with us about life once you get to college.”
SEED sets a standard for seniors to apply for at least 10 right fit colleges, to ensure that students have multiple options when it comes to choosing what college they will attend. Right fit colleges are defined by high graduation rates, generous financial aid packages, and quality on-campus supports. And Kristin has already applied to 11 right fit colleges. “SEED has made the process a lot easier to understand than if I was doing it by myself. Anytime I have a question they are there to answer and it has gone smoothly. I am very confident that I’ll get into the college I want.”
Kristin continues to push herself to broaden her horizons. She has her sights set high—and far afield—for her college choices. “My top school choices are Cornell, University of Texas San Antonio, and the California University of Science and Medicine—and with all of these schools, I’d have to get on a plane.”
