Keishaun Wade, 18, is focused on impacting his community through education and service.
The teen received favorable letters from 11 colleges, including Cornell University. He was also awarded nearly $700,000 in scholarships. ABC15 reports that he’ll attend the Ivy League on a full-ride this fall.
Wade received notification of his acceptance to Cornell via email while in class at Flint Southwestern Academy.
“I just melted in my desk,” he told ABC 15. “Everybody was like: ‘Aw, he got into an Ivy League.’ And it was just really dope.”
A recipient of the Yale Bassett Award for Community Engagement in 2018, Wade has his sights set on how he can use his education to create necessary change in his community. He plans to pursue a degree in urban and regional studies and public policy with the goal of returning to Flint after college.
“I really want to focus on how I can alleviate systematic oppression, especially here in Flint.”
The teen credits his village with helping him to excel and rise above challenges.
“They just really taught me the importance of endurance and patience throughout the trying times, and I think that has been a big factor in making me who I am.”
Congratulations Keishaun!
Photo credit: WEYI/WSMH