As seniors in high school, the choice of choosing a college is very complicated. Knowing where you want to go and what you want to do in the future play a crucial role in choosing where to go. Senior Maya Johnson made her decision of choosing a college a little bit easier by knowing what she wants to do with her life and how she wants to hold on to her African American culture while in college.

Johsnon applied for Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and Howard University in Washington, D.C. “I had always heard about these schools and how they are very prestigious African American schools which somewhat interested me, and then I started looking into them more and found that they had really good credibility and a strong program in my future career. The rich culture and legacy was also something that was very attractive to me!” Johnson said.

There is one challenge Johnson is ready for. “I would say my biggest challenge would be relating with other people. Being bi racial isn’t as rare as it used to be, but I find it hard to not fall into people’s stereotypes of white and black and not just Maya. I don’t think of myself as black or white, I’m both.”

The schools Johnson chose don’t just offer a way for her to get involved in her culture, but they also can teach her what she needs to do follow her dream–to be a social worker. “As corny as it sounds… A Halle Berry movie called, ‘Losing Isaiah’ made me want to be a social worker.” said Johsnon. “I have always wanted to have a career involving child that is where the child welfare social work part comes in for me. Then I would like to mainly focus in removing children from abusive household.”