College Prep - Woodlawn Campus Alumni Speak

[ Music ] >> Mecca Wilkerson: My 6 to 16 teachers were really inspiring because lots of times I felt like I didn't want to go to school; I can't do this; it's too stressful; it's going to be too hard; I'm not going to make it through. But they would give me words of inspiration, and they would be like, Mecca, you actually can do this. You're going to be somebody some day. >> James Foreman: When I was here at the university, they really showed me that I am worth going to college, that it is for me. My advisor was like apply to this school, and I was like I can't afford it, and he was like just apply. And then I applied; my financial packet -- my packet came out to 40,000 which means I only had to pay 2000 which was great. I have 6 to 16 to thank, and without them I wouldn't be where I am now. >> Mecca Wilkerson: Just listen to your teachers. They know what they're talking about. >> Timothy Knowles: We're not finished yet. So we just sent our kids off but it -- the indications are very strong that the kids are staying and they're prevailing through their freshman year; and at a higher level, it's sending both Chicago and I hope the country another message and that is: This is possible; if you get the quality of schooling right, it doesn't matter how difficult the neighborhood is, the extent to which families may or may not be -- look like the traditional American family, you -- kids can prevail. They're capable of extraordinary things if you -- if we provide them with the support necessary. [ Silence ]