Since I entered high school, I have had many opportunities to do great things to help me advance my leadership skills beyond what I thought was possible. As I reflect on so many of my leadership experiences, one formidable precursor stands out from all the rest. Attending the W.E.B. DuBois Summer Scholars Institute, a summer residential program at Princeton for American Black-identifying and Hispanic-identifying students with strong academic and leadership profiles, signaled an inflection point and a new trajectory for my life. The Instituteās website states, āSelf-knowledge, high motivation, and good skills are important prerequisites for effective leadership and academic success.ā I believe this, too.
Through the DuBois program, I enjoyed practical gains like a better understanding of math, learning how to analyze grad school-level essays and passages, opportunities for networking, and practicing communication skills for a business environment. However, my most significant achievement was learning to understand myself as a leader. Prior to the DuBois Summer program, my teachers and other adults identified and referred to me as a leader. Nonetheless, I was unsure how I felt about being designated a leader and even less confident about how to live up to their expectations. I was scared of the implications. The program helped me understand myself by helping me see I’m not alone, that my ideas and talents are gifts worth sharing, and that my voice matters.
During the closing ceremony, I was asked to deliver remarks about my experience in the summer program as a non-graduating student! When I returned home and to school, I could tell I was different āconfident, independent, and on purpose, and it showed. As a result, I became a better artist, violist, athlete, writer, and a much stronger math student. And most importantly, I realized I am a leader.
Below, I am including some of my thoughts and opinions on various topics.
Thoughts and Opinions
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Marie is a 2024 Prudential Emerging Visionary
Twenty-five young leaders from across the U.S. have been honored by Prudential Financial today as the latest class of Prudential Emerging Visionaries.
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Coca-Cola Foundation 2024 Semifinalists Announced
These 1,514 students were among the 1.45% selected from over 103,800 applicants from across the country to continue through our selection processĀ based on their academic excellence, leadership,Ā and service demonstrated in school and community activities.Ā
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My advisor letter…
SUMMARY: I was asked to write a letter to my advisors prior to arriving on campus back in 2020. This is what I said.
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I Interviewed Sarah McBride
SUMMARY: I had an opportunity to interview Delaware State Representative Sarah McBride’. I’ve been so inspired by her work for the people in DE and beyond.
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Young! Gifted! Black!
SUMMARY: Art is a perfect example of a persistent endeavor. As a multifaceted artist, the process of creating something from nothing can be incredibly hard. Art is often categorized as an exceptional ability. Almost as if it is a miracle that I or someone else can play the Viola at a high level or that…
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Marie the Scholar
SUMMARY: I love History and American Studies because they provide me with a deeper understanding of the world and the people who inhabit it.
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Marie the Leader
SUMMARY: Inclusive Leadership Matters
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42 Million Persistent Endeavors…
SUMMARY: Art is a perfect example of a persistent endeavor. As a multifaceted artist, the process of creating something from nothing can be incredibly hard. Art is often categorized as an exceptional ability. Almost as if it is a miracle that I or someone else can play the Viola at a high level or that…
