Posted:
March 29, 2022“I chose Century College because it offers a wonderful PSEO program for students who like to get ahead during high school–with the added benefit of no cost,” says Nika Kemp, Century College student. “It was important to me to choose a college that transfers to various schools, and Century offers that!”
As a member of a Century College family, Nika knew that the College’s Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program was right choice for her. Both her two older sisters joined Century’s PSEO program, and went on to transfer and finish their degrees at four-year universities.
This spring, Nika, who is studying Global Studies and Liberal Arts and Sciences, will be graduating from both Mounds View High School, AND Century College (with her 2-year Associate’s degree).
The Importance of Higher Education
“Coming from a family that prioritizes education, I can appreciate the value education has in understanding our world and the need for it in pushing forward the progress of humanity,” Nika says. ” Personally, education provides a way for me to enrich my life and perspective of the world!”
Gaining Valuable Leadership Experience in Phi Theta Kappa
During her time at Century College, Nika has been involved with Phi Theta Kappa, the international Honors Society. “As a recent member of the PTK chapter at Century, I am just starting to become familiar with the different initiatives in our chapter, such as the recent project in raising awareness of the Rondo Black Community that was destroyed in the 1950s,” Nika reflects. “Important stories like these need to be told. I am honored to be a part of a program that promotes good work such as this project, and to learn from the hardworking members in our community that strive to make a difference.
“PTK is my main student life activity at Century; additionally, I am involved in other activities in my community, specifically as my high school’s student council president and diversity council president. However, unlike those positions, being a part of PTK allows me to be part of a community of hardworking adults, mentors, and fellow students on a larger scale.”
PTK Scholarships
Nika’s hard work at Century has paid off. She was recently awarded the PTK 2022 New Century Pathway Scholarship, and she received the highest score in Minnesota. Her selection was based on the score she earned in the All-USA Academic Team competition, for which more than 2,000 applications were received. Nominations were evaluated on academic achievement, leadership, service, and significant endeavors.
Future Plans
In Fall 2022, Nika will transfer to the University of Minnesota, where she will major in Finance at the Carlson School of Management. Thanks to her Century College experiences, she will begin her U of MN career as a junior.
Following college, Nika may have a career in business as a financial analyst or she may attend law school when she completes her four-year degree. She also plans to publish a collection of her poetry, as well as visit all seven continents. The world is open to her.
“I’ve had a really good experience at Century College. The staff are amazing. They genuinely want to help you,” Nika says.”Given that I started during the Pandemic, it was a difficult time; however, the staff know how to support you–there are so many resources, and people are so understanding. I had all the support that I needed at Century.”
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