The College Beyond story is my story. The data suggest I would not have attended college, much less graduate because I was a first-generation college student from a low-income household. I remember waking up early, staying up late, and working twice as hard in hopes of creating a future that differed from my family's past. I remember feeling alone and encountering countless obstacles, only to learn that the programs and resources that propelled me to college were the ones that would help me graduate. I remember from my early childhood into my adolescence, into my college years, and beyond, people called me an exception or proudly talked about how I beat the odds. It was a narrative that gave me both pride and frustration. That is why I am a board member of and support College Beyond. College Beyond aims to make college graduation the expectation, not the exception. College Beyond aims to change the odds, not beat the odds. Let's change the narrative. Let's change the odds!

College Beyond empowers and supports Southeastern Louisiana students from underserved communities to enroll in and complete college.