Pursuing postsecondary education comes with plenty of opportunities for personal growth. But, for high school students throughout Richmond who are trying to figure out how and where to take their next step, the choice includes much more than what goes on in the classroom.

For Richmond Promise Communications & Marketing Intern Jaelyn Williams, that decision led her to Houston, Texas where she currently attends a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Texas Southern University. Now in her fourth year as a Business Marketing major, Williams is serving her second term with Richmond Promise, having previously returned to her native city as a RP Summer Associate.

While she takes pride in giving back to her community, the choice to attend college far from home has come with great benefits for the De Anza High graduate. In a piece titled “1,600 Miles to Growth”, she reflects on the chance she took and how it has shaped her into a soon-to-be college graduate ready to enter the workforce.

1,600 Miles to Growth

By Jaelyn Williams

GOING AWAY TO COLLEGE is one of the best choices you can make for yourself. Of course, academics matter, but college isn’t just about grades and assignments. It is also about personal growth, independence, and learning how to build relationships that can shape your future. 

When I first got to college, I was pretty standoffish. Out of my three roommates, I became best friends with one, and that friendship is still one of the most important in my life. But having her made me comfortable, so I didn’t push myself to meet new people. Looking back, I realize how valuable it is to step outside of your comfort zone, meet new people, join organizations, talk to professors, and build a strong network. Those connections can open doors after graduation, whether that is through recommendation letters, job opportunities, or simply people who can vouch for your character.

For me, choosing Texas Southern University, 1,600 miles away from Richmond, was a bold step. Why did I do it? Because life is about living for yourself, not for your family or friends. Leaving home gave me the chance to start fresh with new friends, new opportunities, and a completely new environment. It forced me to learn about my strengths, weaknesses, and what I was truly capable of. The person I am today, strong, independent, and mature, is not the same 18-year-old who packed up and moved to Houston in August 2022.

At first, I stayed in my shell. As a young, impressionable freshman, I thought sticking to what felt safe was enough. But by junior year, I woke up. I started joining organizations connected to my career interests, going out more, building friendships, and talking to faculty. I began creating a college experience I could truly be proud of. Now, a month into my senior year, I have built a solid network. Still, I sometimes wish I had done more, because you can never network too much. Those first two years of staying in my comfort zone gave me peace and fun with my one friend, but I missed out on meeting even more people who could have helped me grow and succeed. The lesson is to always be your authentic self, but also push yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and use discernment to figure out what is truly meant for you.

Leaving home so young is not easy, but it is worth it. You learn to adapt, to grow, and to embrace new experiences. Home will always be there if you want to return, but while you are young, it is the perfect time to explore. Travel, make memories, try new things, and do not be afraid of change, because that is where real growth happens.