Name: Lisa S. Scott
Hometown: Lakewood
Major: Africana Studies
I am ecstatic about this accomplishment and I know that it’s the stepping stone for the next level. Dreams are made to come true.
Personal Statement
After graduating from high school in 1986, I went on to college to pursue my dreams of working in the fashion industry. I was unable to finish my studies because in 1989 I started a family and that became the most important thing in the world to me. My world revolved around ensuring that my children had everything required for a strong start in life. And that meant sacrificing my education to secure their education.
My parents were always very proud of me and the life I created for my family. And, my mother always considered me college-educated simply because I attended college. But I knew this wasn’t the case and I so much wanted her to be able to speak with conviction. I knew that graduating from college was inevitable.
My goal was to get my daughter through college and ensure that my son had been accepted into a great institution before I would go back to finish my degree. Today, my daughter is a Syracuse University alumna, and my son is a rising senior at Rutgers University. I set a goal to graduate from college before my son to lead by example. I took 19.5 credits in the fall of 2016 and earned a GPA of 3.923. My son stepped it up and is registered for 19.5 this spring. I am a firm believer in practicing what you preach!
I majored in Africana studies because this area of study was never offered in my high school. I wanted a stronger understanding of African Americans and their impact on the world. The field of Africana studies provides a powerful foundation for life and an ideal pathway to any career. My major provided me with an in-depth understanding of the inner strength of people of African descent. This area of study has built me up and inspired me to complete my degree respectfully and with an abundance of pride.
My plans are to continue serving as a Rutgers Future Scholar mentor and to deepen my involvement with community service. It’s my obligation to keep people of all races uplifted, and encourage them to be the best they can be. I want to teach people how to dream and how to execute. I will continue to purse my education with a goal of a Ph.D.
I am hopeful to build a resilient legacy like my ancestors.
My key supporters in this journey have been my husband, my family and friends, North Stelton AME Church, Vice Chancellor Gary Roth, Dean Milagros Arroyo, and several colleagues.
I feel like the big dreamer that people have always thought of me as. I feel like I can do anything that I put my mind to. I am ecstatic about this accomplishment and I know that it’s the stepping stone for the next level. Dreams are made to come true.
My daughter share this verse with me when she was in middle school:
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
--Langston Hughes
