As many of the learners from our Readiness Institute Summer Program know, our connection doesn’t just end after the summer. We continue to stay in touch with learners when they go back for their senior year, after they graduate high school, and beyond. We’ve been checking in with some of the young adults who were a part of program and have now graduated high school and are on to their next steps of adulthood.
Grace Ravenstahl
Where are you now?
I am a freshman at Duquesne University in the School of Business Administration, majoring in marketing.
What do you enjoy most about where you are now?
I love the atmosphere of being in the city. It’s so exciting to have the feeling of a secluded college campus with all of the opportunities that a city campus presents. I have so much more access to potential job and internship opportunities and just the feeling of living in the city. I also love how personalized my education is. The School of Business has so many opportunities for students to customize their path to exactly what they want it to be. And the support systems are top-tier. Everyone truly wants you to succeed.
How has your life changed since the Readiness Institute?
I have grown so much since the Readiness Institute. I have become much more outgoing and confident.
How did the Readiness Institute help you prepare for where you are now?
I have developed so many professional skills and the ability to communicate with professionals. This is so valuable when developing networking connections and building a professional attitude.
What is your favorite memory of the Readiness Institute?
My favorite memory of the Readiness Institute must be the summer-long project. I had so much fun with my friends on my team, developing our ideas and building a presentation to give to the other cohorts. We worked hard to try and convey our idea while also having fun, creating a theme, and getting to know each other. It was fun and informative and a great experience all around.
What advice or message do you have for your fellow Readiness Institute alums?
Ask for help. I was always one of those people who was determined to do everything on their own because asking for help meant I was failing. But I know now that even the most accomplished people ask for help all the time. Asking for help is a sign that you want to learn and grow. It is so important, especially in the professional world, to ask for help and get things done right instead of trying to do everything on your own and potentially creating more problems.
The Readiness Institute is not just a one and done deal. They will support you through your senior year and beyond, into college and your career. Take advantage of every opportunity you get because it so worth it and it will help you immensely.