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.
Simone Biles is not only the most decorated gymnast in history, but also a role model for millions of people around the world. She has overcome adversity, challenges and obstacles to achieve her dreams and inspire others to do the same. Here is her story and why she should be celebrated.
Simone Biles was born on March 14, 1997 in Columbus, Ohio. She was one of four children born to drug-addicted parents who could not take care of them. She and her siblings were placed in foster care when she was three years old. She was later adopted by her grandparents, who moved to Texas and introduced her to gymnastics.
Biles fell in love with gymnastics at a young age, after visiting a gym on a field trip. She started training at Bannon’s Gymnastix at the age of six, and soon showed exceptional talent and potential. She was homeschooled from eighth grade to focus on her gymnastics career.
Biles made her senior debut in 2013, winning the all-around title at the American Cup. She then dominated the World Championships, winning four gold medals and one bronze. She repeated this feat in 2014 and 2015, becoming the first woman to win three consecutive all-around titles at the World Championships.
In 2016, Biles qualified for the Rio Olympics, where she led the U.S. team to gold in the team event. She also won gold in the individual all-around, vault and floor exercise, and bronze on the balance beam. She became the first American woman to win four gold medals at a single Olympics, and tied the record for most Olympic medals won by a female gymnast.
Biles took a break from gymnastics after Rio, but returned to competition in 2018. She continued to break records and push boundaries, performing skills that no other woman had ever done before. She won five gold medals at the 2018 World Championships, becoming the first woman to do so since 1958. She also became the most decorated female gymnast in World Championship history, with 20 medals. Read more about Simon Biles here.