Jeanai Celestin
After joining The Emerging Scholars program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Jeanai earned a spot in the Commonwealth Honors College and has her sights set on graduate school.
Jeanai Celestin
I found UMass in high school because it provided the resources that I need, and at the same time it was big enough for me to feel comfortable and find my own space here. I was a part of a program called the Emerging Scholars, which was a step up towards the Honors College, as a freshman. And ever since then, I have been loving it here. The Honors College has provided me with the resources to meet faculty, staff, and students just like me who have the same drive and who are going to the same places. The Honors College has provided me with scholarships that have helped me to be able to remain here at UMass, which is a huge thing for me. Before entering UMass, and of course before becoming a part of the Honors College, I hadn't seen myself pursuing education beyond undergrad. Honors College has made it possible for me to begin to think about graduate school options. For anyone who was in my position upon entering UMass, I'd say go for it because the faculty here, the staff here, and the students here are amazing. Whenever you feel down or whenever you feel like you can't finish, you can do it. There are always support systems here to help you get through it. All you have to do is ask a question. I am Jeanai Celestin, class of 2018. I stand for minority students from disadvantaged communities, and I stand for UMass.