Mikayla Aquino ~ My Senior Story

"Trinity has allowed me to grow into the person I've always wanted to be -- a proud, intelligent, brave leader. This school has given me a space to discover and use my voice, explore the complexity of my identity, and find a chosen family. My message to Future Trinity Blazers is to not be afraid to use your voice and not let your words go unheard. High school is a very stressful time so it's important to take a step back and see the bigger picture. You have been given this opportunity to receive a higher education that many kids around the world don't get. This is a time to be grateful for what you have, a time to fight for what is right, a time to love, and a time to thrive. Remember that you only live once so make these four years count. Do what brings you happiness and peace. I wish you the best of luck!

My acceptance story: For the majority of my sophomore and junior years, I experienced a rush of tears and stressful thoughts whenever college plans were mentioned. Where do I start? What makes a "good" college? Do I really want to go into education? Can I even afford to go to college?? I felt lost and alone. I felt like everyone around me knew where they wanted to attend college since freshmen year. It was a rough topic, to say the least.

During the last block of my junior year, I was called into Mrs. Granholm's office. I was not in the right mindset to discuss my plans for college. I didn't even know my plans for that weekend let alone the next 4 years of my life after high school. I walked in, sat down, and she told me that I had been nominated for the Posse Foundation Scholarship. She explained that there would be three rounds of interviews, nine partner schools to rank, and if I made it all the way through, I would attend one of the partner schools with a full-tuition scholarship. The second I left Mrs. Granholm's office, I jumped up and down with pure joy and excitement. I couldn't wait to call my mom and tell her that I'd been given an opportunity to attend a selective college without worrying about my family's financial insecurities. 

After the initial excitement, the stress-inducing thoughts returned. Am I good enough for this scholarship? What if I talk too much during my interview or what if I don't talk enough? What if I don't connect with the people there? My fast-growing stress encouraged me to work harder. I made a list of over two dozen colleges that interested me, researched each one, and listed the pros and cons of each school I visited. I was determined to find a college that fit me, a school I could call home. 

I went through all three interviews. I was more excited, nervous, and determined after each one. On December 3rd, 2021, I got a call from the Posse trainers informing me that I had been chosen to attend Connecticut College with Conn Posse 14. I have never cried more happy tears in my entire life. In February of 2022, I started my weekly Pre-Collegiate training with the ten other individuals from Chicago who would be attending Conn College with me. Though it has only been a few months, I have a great group of friends and chosen family that will have each others' backs during a difficult transition. 

I will be attending Connecticut College in the fall of 2022 in the class of 2026. I intend on majoring in Education and Gender and Sexuality Studies and minoring in English. I am eternally grateful for the amazing opportunities I've been given! A very special thank you to Mrs. Granholm, Mrs. Metzger, my amazing mother, and the Posse Foundation. GO CAMELS!"

Connecticut College ~ Majors: Secondary Education / Gender and Sexuality Studies - Minor: English, Stevenson Middle School, Melrose Park
Posse Foundation Scholar