You Don't Have to Be Independent: Getting Support from KTC

Going into college, I actually was really eager to move out of my comfort zone. I was also grateful that my parents were very supportive of where I chose to continue my education. Although my first option was Texas Tech University, I ultimately decided to enroll at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I did not know anyone at UTSA which meant that I was having a completely fresh start for my college journey.

At first, my mindset was to do everything on my own. I felt that being independent was one of the first steps that I needed to take for my own maturity. It was hard asking others for help. I was hours away from the people I used to turn for support, like my family. I didn't want to stress out my parents who were working full-time and watching over my younger brother.

The first month on my own I started to feel like I was by myself. My motivation for taking classes was almost non-existent. I felt really annoyed with going to class because my school forced me to take many prerequisites that in my mind had little to do with my major of civil engineering.

One day Mr. Kwak, the best KTC advisor, called me after I finished class for the day. He was telling me about how the KTC team is always here to help when we feel like we have hit a brick wall or are confused about something. He reminded me that I can always contact KTC is always there in case we do not know who to talk to for advice or directions. Mr. Kwak was very understanding of my situation and we bonded over both growing up in the United States with foreign parents.

Even over the phone, he could tell how stressed out I was. He said that sometimes you have to go to your parents because they want the best for me even if we don’t see eye to eye on everything. He respectfully addressed my concerns and helped me get through some of my first-semester problems.

Afterwards, my goal was to not only learn from my past mistakes but grow in my second semester. The first few months were going great until UTSA went to remote classes as a response to Coronavirus and so I returned to living in Houston. So far, I have been managing my transition and know I have the support of KTC to finish this semester as strong as possible given the circumstances.

To any other students who feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders or the desire to be independent, I want y’all to know that it does not have to be that way. When I think of all the times I stressed myself out and rushed to act "grown," I think back of the missed opportunities to ask for help. Don't forget, KIPP through College is here to help and it’s free.

Nana Adjei is a contributing writer for the Alumni Stories Blog Series. Nana is currently a freshman majoring in Civil Engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio.