August 1st – October 13th, 2025:
As of today, I’ve submitted fifteen college applications. A lot of them had no application fee, but still. I submitted fifteen applications. It’s only October, and I only have four left.
I made my Common App account when I was barely a sophomore. I knew what I wanted, and I wouldn’t back down from it. I started writing my personal statement towards the end of my sophomore year. Although I don’t have a 4.0 or a 36 on my ACT, I know I’ll end up where I belong. There have been so many opportunities in my life for me to fall on my face and not get back up. But, I do. Even though my GPA is a 3.7 and my ACT is a 29, I’m doing a lot better than I personally thought I would.
I was born in Roanoke, Virginia. Neither of my biological parents left home. Neither of them got a college degree. My future was always uncertain during my childhood. It was never certain I would leave.
It was never certain I would even make it to high school, nonetheless find my footing for my future, dive headfirst into extracurriculars, and maintain a decent GPA with seven AP courses. My future was uncertain from the day I was born. I could’ve ended up stuck with my biological parents in a trailer park– but I didn’t.
For preschool, I went to a small Presbyterian school, Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church Preschool, despite my family’s lack of religious affiliation. I was the reason they changed the wording in lessons about parents and families. The change from “parents” or “mom and dad” to “legal guardians” made me feel even more odd. I was still a fairly happy kid, though.
For kindergarten and elementary school, I went to a small Montessori-esque school, Community School. Although I still don’t know my multiplication tables in full, I’m incredibly grateful for the experience I had there. It was one of the few places in Roanoke where I felt normal. Community School allowed me to branch out, learn who I was, and what caught my interest.
The unique field trips and teaching approaches there led me to be the woman I am today. The chickens on campus and the trout in classrooms allowed me to understand the value of life. The diverse student body allowed me to understand other perspectives and see how other people lived. Although I didn’t uncover my love for journalism, media, and digital communications until I began high school, I think Community School’s focus on technology education paved that path for me.
When I have children of my own, I plan to name my daughter Tulie or Beth. Tulie was my 2nd grade teacher, but she was so much more than that. She testified against my biological father in court during my custody battle. She helped save me.
Beth was my kindergarten teacher; she was like a mom to me in some aspects. Throughout my time at Community School, I would see Beth and Tulie daily. Beth would always hug me and almost inhale the rosemary mint Aveda shampoo I used.
I haven’t talked to either of them since my time at Community School, but I hope they would be proud of the woman I am today. They were key assets within the village that it took to raise me.
My experience in high school has helped me pave the path for my future. I discovered my love for journalism, media, and digital communications. I became hyper-fixated on Knight View. I took AP courses. I shared my story.
I was flown out to D.C. not once, but twice, for prestigious journalism programs. I was a PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs fellow. I had a story air nationally on PBS NewsHour. I was selected as the sole representative from the state of Georgia for the 2025 Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference. I’ve received a $1,000 scholarship as recognition from the Freedom Forum. I’ve worked alongside media giants such as Dale Russell and Richard Griffiths. I’ve done so much more than I ever thought I would. I’ve had more teachers and mentors write recommendations than I ever could’ve guessed.
The concept of leaving home and going to college is one that terrified me at first, hence why I started the process so early. Now that I’m 17 and in my final year of high school, I understand why so many are ready to leave home. I love my life in Atlanta, but I want to branch out and try my luck somewhere new.
Regardless, it will be hard to leave my friends (unless I end up at UGA, then I won’t be leaving my friends), teachers, advisors, and mentors. I won’t be gone, but I won’t be in Atlanta. I might end up back home, but we’ll have to wait and see. The worst part has been waiting.
Although I won’t hear back from most schools until mid-December or later, I know I’m ready. One of the scariest things for me will be leaving my work behind. For all of high school, Knight View has been my life. Whenever a teacher or student has a question about the latest episode or airing an announcement, they contact me. Frankly, I don’t know who I’ll be without Knight View, Mr. Roberts, and E131. It’s still scary for me to think about, but I know my experiences with Knight View, and all of high school for that matter, will be a part of who I am until I’m old and grey.
One of my biggest goals in life is to be one of the former students Mr. Roberts talks about as if they’re famous. He talks about all of his former students who actually ended up in the film/journalism industries as if they’re celebrities. I want to be a Mr. Roberts celebrity one day.
As of right now, my top choices are Mizzou, Syracuse, and UGA. We’ll see what happens, but I’m not necessarily scared of what my future looks like anymore. Obviously, I’m nervous, but I’m not scared like I used to be. We’ll see what happens, who gives me the most in scholarships/aid, and the best opportunities.
This new chapter will be scary at first, and I will have to find my footing. It’s nothing too crazy and unknown; I’m no stranger to a 300+ mile move. I won’t know how to be on my own and be an adult until I’m thrown into it without being told which way is up (anyone who has produced a student-run newscast knows this is the most effective way to learn something new). I’m worried about making new friends; I’ve always struggled with that. I tend to be more reserved in new social situations. But, at the end of the day, I know I will be okay. I’ve done harder things.
I’ll be sharing big news within the next few weeks (and months), so keep an eye out for that.
August 1st – October 13th, 2025 : Atlanta, GA
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Stella St. Clair 