Helms Ategeka, an 18-year-old from Oakland, California, has achieved an extraordinary feat: acceptance into 122 colleges and universities with a total of $5.3 million in scholarship offers. His remarkable journey is a testament to his passion for music and relentless determination, despite initial doubts from his father.
Helms’ dream has always been to become a pop star. His passion for music is evident in his daily life, whether he’s participating in his high school’s a cappella group, listening to his extensive collection of CDs, or performing in his community. Despite this, his father, Chris Ategeka, initially hoped for a more conventional career path for his son, one that promised financial stability, such as medicine, engineering, or computer technology.
Faced with his father’s concerns, Helms embarked on a mission to prove his dedication and work ethic. Last fall, he began applying to colleges—over 150 of them. Acceptance letters began trickling in, eventually turning into a flood. Helms received 122 acceptance letters and a staggering $5.3 million in scholarship offers. His academic achievements, including a 3.94 GPA, played a significant role in these acceptances.
Helms’ college application process was driven by a key requirement: a strong music program. Using online portals, he efficiently applied to multiple schools, tailoring his essays to highlight his passion for music and his unique background as an immigrant. His efforts paid off with offers from prestigious institutions such as Bard College, Drexel University, Howard University, Loyola Marymount University, and even his father’s alma mater, the University of California, Berkeley.
Originally from Uganda, Helms moved to the United States in 2019 to join his father. His transition coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which posed additional challenges as he navigated his new environment and adapted to remote learning. Despite these obstacles, Helms excelled academically and continued to pursue his passion for music.
Ricky Lapidus, Helms’ drama teacher at Head-Royce High School, describes him as a deeply empathetic person with a genuine love for learning and a drive to understand others. These qualities, combined with his academic prowess, made him a standout candidate for colleges across the nation.
Helms’ journey to choosing a college involved extensive research and discussions with his father. He created a spreadsheet to weigh the pros and cons of each institution, focusing on their music programs and overall fit. After much consideration, he decided to attend UC Berkeley, following in his father’s footsteps but charting his own path as a music major.
Reflecting on his son’s determination, Chris Ategeka expressed admiration for Helms’ resolve. “As an immigrant parent, I was thinking, ‘How are you going to pay your bills?’ But he’s a driven kid … and he used my words against me,” Chris said. This realization led him to support Helms’ dream, acknowledging the importance of pursuing one’s passion.
Helms’ story is a powerful example of perseverance and the pursuit of one’s dreams. His journey from Uganda to the United States, his academic success, and his unwavering commitment to music serve as an inspiration to aspiring students, especially those from immigrant backgrounds. As he prepares to embark on his college journey at UC Berkeley, Helms Ategeka stands as a beacon of hope and determination, ready to make his mark in the world of music.
At 28 years old, Antoinette Paris-Hudson has made aviation history as the third Black female Captain for PSA Airlines. Her journey, marked by passion and perseverance, recently reached another milestone when she received a job offer from American Airlines, the world’s largest airline.
From a young age, Antoinette was captivated by the sight of airplanes taking off from LAX, a fascination she shared with her father. Despite being a first-generation pilot in her family and lacking a mentor, she remained determined to pursue her dream.
In 2016, Antoinette earned her degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering from Kansas State University. She then began her career in the aviation industry, joining PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, as a First Officer in 2019. Her talent and dedication quickly earned her a promotion to Captain in 2022, making her only the third Black female to achieve this rank in the company’s history.
Reflecting on her accomplishment, Antoinette shared on Facebook, “I’m only the THIRD black female captain in my company’s history. This last month has been challenging, but by the grace of God and the unwavering support of my family, I’ve come out on the other side as an AIRLINE CAPTAIN. This is truly a dream come true.” Click here to continue reading about Antoinette.
