ALUMNI IN THE SPOTLIGHT

No matter where their journeys take them, we stand beside our graduates as they go after their goals. Meet Ron and De’Janae, two KIPP Lanning Square Middle alumni who are pursuing two and four year college programs, respectively. Both have a desire to give back to their communities and have big goals for their futures. Meet Ron & De’Janae!

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR TIME AT KIPP LANNING SQUARE MIDDLE? KIPP opened up a lot of doors for me. I had a really good connection with many of the teachers at KLSM, and they were always there for me. The thing that stands out the most was that I had opportunities to visit different colleges and see what life at college would look like for me.

At KIPP, I learned the value of a strong start. If you don’t have one, you can dig a hole for yourself in the future, especially when it comes to your GPA. I was always taught to start strong and finish strong at KIPP.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO STUDY BUSINESS? WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR AFTER GRADUATION? I am earning my associates degree in business and administration, and my goal is to combine my passions for entrepreneurship and public service. For example, I’m passionate about sneakers and would like to have a business buying

KIPP SCHOOL ATTENDED: KIPP Lanning Square Middle COLLEGE AND GRADUATION YEAR: Camden County College, Class of 2022 MAJOR/AREA OF STUDY: Business and Management, 2-Year Program and selling them. After graduation, I’m considering joining the Air Force or possibly becoming a New Jersey State Trooper. I really enjoy giving back to my community.

My family is a big part of my inspiration. My mom has always been an entrepreneur—she sells her own sweets and cakes. My grandmother was a city councilwoman in Camden, and my father was a marine and a corrections officer. All of them have inspired me on my current path.

HOW HAS YOUR KIPP FORWARD COUNSELOR SUPPORTED YOUR JOURNEY? My KIPP Forward counselor is Ms. Martinez and she’s the best. She’ll always respond to me whenever I need any advice; it’s like she's never off! I really appreciate the way she’s on top of me about due dates, or things like applying for FAFSA and making sure I have the correct credits for my degree so I graduate. She plays a big part in my success!

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR TIME AT KIPP LANNING SQUARE MIDDLE? Attending KLSM was a change of pace for me from my previous school, and it was a really good opportunity. I liked the structure of the school and the curriculum was engaging. I got to know my teachers really well, and I liked the people. I loved math when I went there, and I still do. That helps me today in college as I take anatomy and biology.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO STUDY NURSING? WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR AFTER GRADUATION? I’ve always known I wanted to be a nurse. My mom and godmother work in the medical field and so do many other family members. As a child, I spent time in a hospital and doctor’s appointments, and I want to be able to take care of people like I was taken care of. I want to become a nurse because I’ve always wanted to help people during difficult moments. After graduating from nursing school, I’d like to work in a hospital.

HOW HAS YOUR KIPP FORWARD COUNSELOR SUPPORTED YOUR JOURNEY? Ms. Gibson has been amazing! We talk every week, she always checks in on me, and I like that. She offers me a lot of motivation, which I need. College is hard, but I like that she can give me a pep talk when I need one.

She also helps me with things like knowing which college credits I’ll need to graduate and how to structure my schedule.

KIPP SCHOOL ATTENDED: KIPP Lanning Square Middle COLLEGE AND GRADUATION YEAR: William Patterson University, Class of 2025 MAJOR/AREA OF STUDY: Nursing