“In life we constantly have trials and tribulations that help mold us into the people we are today.” That quote is not from some famous philosopher, but they are the words of wisdom from Hampton University freshman R’Nodja Franklin. She grew up in an educational system that held low expectations for her and her peers. One 7th grade teacher told her class, “the best choice for anyone in this school is to join the military because that’ll be the only way you make any kind of money.” That assessment held true for her parents as they both grew up in tough neighborhoods and indeed joined the military. But for R’Nodja, a life without a college education was not an option. She said, “Not having a degree didn’t allow my parents to progress as quickly as they would’ve liked in their careers. I chose to break that cycle.”

So R’Nodja applied to every college she could and for every loan that was available until she was accepted at Hampton. Then she got a surprise from the School of Business, which maintains a scholarship just for first generation college students. Thanks to the generosity of Hampton Alum and first generation college graduate Zachary Scott, R’Nodja was granted additional funding. She said, “Because of that blessing, I’m currently a first year Business Management student. With my degree, I plan to give back to my community. I also hope by overcoming my adversities inspires others to do what is best for them regardless of what others say. Because in the end, you’ll have to do what is best for you.”