First Published in 2016
Azariya McClendon, 17, is not your typical adolescent. Her accomplishment of completing both her high school and college degrees on the same day is something that most individuals can only hope to do.
On May 14, McClendon, a resident of Ringgold, Louisiana, graduated from Bossier Parish Community College with an associate’s degree in general studies. She crossed the stage once more later that day to get her high school diploma from Ringgold High School.
What was her secret? When McClendon was a sophomore in high school, she participated in the BPCC Early College Programme. Through this programme, high school students can fulfil their high school requirements while taking college courses and earning college credits.
McClendon noted that her passion of learning and drive to challenge herself served as her driving forces. She told KSLA that she has “always been interested in learning new things and expanding my knowledge.” “I wanted to take advantage of this chance and start my education early,” the applicant said.
She also gave her family, especially her mother, credit for their encouragement and support in helping her achieve her goals. She remarked, “My mum has always been my biggest supporter and my role model. “She taught me to work hard and to never give up on my dreams.”
The accomplishments of McClendon are impressive, especially in light of the statistics. The National Centre for Education Statistics reports that just 15% of American people who are 25 years of age or older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Even lower, 11%, is the percentage for Black adults. Additionally, just 3% of high school students in the US obtain college credits prior to completing their studies.
In addition to beating the odds, McClendon serves as an example for others. She expressed the wish that other young people will be inspired by her narrative to seek further education and realise their full potential.
“I want them to know that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and work hard,” she said. “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. You are capable of amazing things.”
At Louisiana Tech University, McClendon intends to continue her study with a biomedical engineering major. She stated that her goal is to help others and have a positive impact on the world by using her knowledge and skills.
We congratulate Azariya McClendon on all of her remarkable successes and send our best wishes for all of her future endeavours. She is a brilliant example of what can be accomplished when tenacity, passion, and purpose are combined.
She is an excellent role model for the new African and a real example of a Rising African. Rising Africa is a vibrant platform that showcases the outstanding accomplishments of Black and African people around the world and offers up-to-date information about scholarships and sponsorships available to African youngsters. Our goal is to demonstrate the unique achievements and skills of Africans in a variety of disciplines, including technology, business, the arts and culture, and social activism, in order to motivate and empower the next generation of African leaders.
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