Senior Ashlynn Adams is soon to begin a new adventure starting with an acceptance to Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. Wesleyan University is a prestigious private college with an acceptance rate of only 14.4%.
Adams had applied to a scholarship called the Questbridge Scholarship. The application process includes a College Match program, which helps match a student to a scholarship. In Ashlynn’s case, it led her to Wesleyan.
Adams put time and effort into her application process, and came out with an amazing opportunity.
“The initial Questbridge application is very detailed and extensive, and I put a lot of thought, time, and effort into it. Even though I had a lot of self-doubt, I am so glad my efforts paid off and I have this amazing opportunity,” Adams shared.
When signed up for the National College Match and awarded the scholarship, Adams was obligated to commit to that school. To be chosen for this scholarship, she had to be chosen as a finalist. This year, there were 7,288 finalists out of over 25,500 applications. She then ranked 15 chosen schools out of the 50 she was given. If a college she had ranked wanted to give her a full-ride scholarship, she would be matched with whoever is highest on the list.
Adams initially was scared when she was accepted into Wesleyan, but soon realized that it was one of the best things that could have happened.
“Initially, it was a little scary for me to know that I was obligated to attend a university halfway across the country, but after time I realized that this was probably one of the best things that could have happened for me. I’ve always known that I wanted to get out of Warsaw and explore what the world has to offer, but I think the fact that I was committed to Wesleyan upon acceptance helped to give me the push I needed to realize my fears were just that — fears,” she explained.
Adams is undecided in her major, but wants to choose something related to environmental sciences, or double major in government.
“I have not chosen a major yet, however, I have considered majoring in environmental sciences. I have also considered a double major in government. I think being able to make policies relating to our environment would be a very rewarding career for me, as environmental advocacy is something that is important to me,” she said.
She said Ms. Swisher and Mrs. Adler played large roles in helping her apply for the Questbridge Scholarship.
“Mrs. Swisher played a big role in helping me apply for Questbridge, and in turn, helping me apply for Wesleyan. Mrs. Adler was also a big supporter of me during my application process. She probably read and edited my essays at least fifty times. My college research was actually pretty rushed, but I am very happy I decided to put Wesleyan on my list,” she said.
Adams teachers say she is a mature and bright student.
“She has matured as a student. She makes it to class on time! She also does not miss school. This is what it takes to be successful as a student,” teacher Amy Spunaugle said.
Adams believes high school helped her push herself, and embrace it all.
“Warsaw High School has seen many versions of myself. These walls, these classrooms, and these teachers have seen me at my best and seen me at my worst. Without the teachers and friends that have supported me throughout my time in high school, I would not be where I am today. The people close to me in my life helped to pick me up when I fell, pushed me when I needed motivation, and celebrated with me when I accomplished something. High school shaped and built not only my mind, but also my relationships, personality, and sense of self. High school is definitely a weird time of a person’s life, but I’ve learned to just embrace it all — the good, the bad, and the ugly,” Adams expressed.
Adams has been a part of Amanda Adler’s classroom for three years, serving as editor-in-chief for three. Adler said that Adams is a conscientious and detail-oriented leader In the classroom.
“Ashlynn has always been very detail-oriented and conscientious about her work. As a leader, she has always had to help students do the best work they can,” Adler explained.