Success Stories
Jaymara Perry
High School: Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Class of 2010
School: Brandon College
Studies: Music
Student Status: Freshman Fall of 2010
My senior year at Duke Ellington has been a long and hard journey. Coming into my senior year, I thought everything
was going to be a breeze, but I soon was slapped in the face with hardcore reality. College applications, financial aid,
and my senior recital stressed me out so much, but when everything was completed I felt so much better.
A lot of this stuff would not have gotten done if it wasn't for my awesome, sweet, determined, and helpful mentor, Ms. Regina Robinson.
She was riding my back everyday, “Jay, did you do this or that?” she encouraged and inspired me in many ways. She also is my
entrepreneurship teacher and I really enjoyed that class. I have grown to love her so much and I am so grateful to have her in my life.
I really do not know what I would have done without her.
In the Fall of 2010, I will attend Brandon College in Canada YES Canada!! I am so excited to start a new beginning with a new mindset and priorities.
Ms. Robinson is truly my inspiration and I will never forget my experiences with her as a teacher and mentor.
I am going to miss her so much! Thanks Ms. Robinson :)
Tonia Perry
Parent of Jaymara Perry
Ms. Robinson is a wonderful person, without her, getting my child prepared for college would not have been possible.
She was patient, diligent, just what I needed to ease my mind and prepare me for this transition. I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart
for holding my hand and walking with me on this journey.
Finesse Gordon
School: Bennett College for Women
Studies: Nursing
Student Status: Freshman Fall of 2010
The college admissions process was extensive. The process had my parents and I frustrated. There was a lot of paper work to complete and mail out.
I was upset to know that I did not meet the requirements for some of my schools of choice and others did not have my major.
With the guidance and support of Ms. Robinson, in the Fall of 2010, I will attend my top choice school Bennett College for Women.
Working with Ms. Robinson was a stress reliever; she made what seemed impossible very possible to do. Her organization and
persistence made the process much smoother for me to handle. Nevertheless, Ms. Robinson reminded me that the process
required my determination and perseverance. I am thankful to Ms. Robinson for being a woman willing to give of her time
and self to ensure I completed the college process successfully.
Jermaine Gordon
Parent of Finesse Gordon
As a parent of two students graduating a year apart, I knew it was important for me to have guidance on the college admissions process. My son came home one day with a
flyer about a college workshop, I registered and attended. Sitting through the workshop, Mr. Robinson impressed me with her knowledge
of the college process and her ability to help children and parents organize for the daunting task ahead. I was determined to utilize
the services of Ms Robinson to assist my children in making this all too important transition and decision of how to obtain a higher
education.
Marshall Roberts
High School: McKinley Technology High School. Class of 2010
School: St. Augustine College
Studies: Business
Student Status: Freshman Fall of 2010
This senior year was by far the best year of my four years at McKinley Technology High School. I learned so much about my ability to strive to do the best I can. In the Fall, I will attend St. Augustine College in Raleigh, North Carolina. There are many people to thank such as my father and others. Also, I would like to thank Ms. Regina Robinson for devoting 100% of her time to ensure I was given the opportunity to get into a good college. If it was not for her, I really do not know if I would have had the opportunity to attend a good college. I will remember my senior year for the rest of my life.
Lynnesha Crump
School: Oberlin College
Studies: Music
Student Status: Freshman
I must say my senior year in High School and the whole "College Process" was one of the most difficult times in my life. I had to complete essays, forms, financial aid, SAT's and FAFSA, I could go on and on. As a "First Generation Student", I had no one to guide me because no one in my family had ever attended college or experienced the process. Mrs. Robinson was such a big influence in my life. She and I went over every single thing during the process; she revised my essays, helped me complete my forms and invited me to her house for extra assistance. She even worked with my mom to complete the Financial Aid process. I would say that Suited 4 Success is the best thing that she created. Its gives students like me a chance to believe that anything is possible. If it wasn’t for her and Suited 4 Success I don't think I could have done it and be where I am today!! I am currently attending Oberlin Conservatory and I am happy with my decision. I really love the college life!! Overall, I would say that Suited 4 Success is the best thing that happened to me! Thank you.
Tenisha Pitts
School: Kean University
Studies: Criminal Justice
Student Status: Junior
From my freshman year to my senior year in high school Ms. Robinson was always on my back about college.
She always told me to think about schools I would like to attend and a major of study. As a freshman,
I was not thinking about college. During my senior year, I made up my mind I was not going to college.
I was going to work for a year and attend school later. Until, I got a phone call from Ms. Robinson and
she asked me if I had all my stuff ready for college? I told her no and that I decided not to go. She
asked me why and my answer was not good enough for her. The real reason was I felt the process was a lot
of work and I did not have anyone to guide me. After my phone call with Ms. Robinson, the next day she helped
me to start filling out college applications, she completed my FAFSA, I began visiting colleges and collecting
information on colleges I applied to. Did, I mention Ms. Robinson no longer lived in the same state as me, but
that did not stop her. If it was not for Ms. Robinson, I would not have pursued college. My parents did not attend
college therefore; they did not know anything about the college process. Ms. Robinson made me think differently
about college. Ms. Robinson was so helpful she treated me as if I was her own daughter.
When I received my acceptance letter, I could not believe it. After
getting accepted, I was still scared because I did not know what to do next. Ms. Robinson
took time out of her schedule to travel to New Jersey from Maryland to attend my orientation
at Kean to help me finalize my registration. I was so thankful to have Ms. Robinson as a part
of my life. She invested time and energy into making sure I believed in myself and that I
deserved an opportunity to receive a college education. Currently, I attend Kean University
in Union New jersey. I am a junior and my college experience has been great. I am doing really
well in my classes and my grades are excellent. I am so happy I came to college.
Micha Green
School: Fordham University, New York
Studies: Theatre Major
Student Status: Freshman
Applying to college can be one of the most challenging experiences in a teenager's life. People will always tell you not to stress, but sometimes it seems unavoidable with all the paperwork, essays, auditions/ interviews, and application fees. Quite honestly, most of the time I felt very overwhelmed. Ms. Robinson and Suited 4 Success helped me throughout the whole college application process. She helped me organize all my papers, made sure that I prioritized my work, met the necessary deadlines, reviewed my essays, and of course she continuously supported me with her words of encouragement and great advice. Once college acceptances began rolling in, I had a hard decision to make. Ms. Robinson sat down with me and helped me weigh the pros and cons for each of my colleges so that I could make the best decision. I am now in New York City at Fordham University majoring in theatre. Suited 4 Success and Ms. Robinson made the college process much easier and manageable for me. I can proudly say that Ms. Robinson and the program helped me get into a wonderful school and I am very appreciative for that! Thanks!
Mayaa Boateng
School: Fordham University, New York
Studies: Theatre Major
Student Status: Freshman
The college process is probably one of the most difficult experiences a student will encounter. From applying to various schools, and writing essays, to interviewing and waiting to get accepted, it can all be very nerve-racking. I think for that reason, it is imperative to have someone encouraging you and supporting you; Suited 4 Success did just that. When it came to my essays, Ms. Robinson was always there reading and revising until the final product was perfect. She helped me contact all my schools and get pumped up for my auditions. Today I attend Fordham University pursuing theatre; I don't think I would be here had it not been for Ms. Robinson and Suited 4 Success.
Ron'ada Hewitt
School: Seton Hall University, New Jersey
Studies: English Major
Student Status: Freshman
In the beginning, I thought I was not going to make it into college. I thought all the paper work and financial aid was all going to go to waste, because I had not received and acceptance letter from any of my top schools. As deadlines approached, I began to get weary because I still had not received anything. I was on the verge of giving up when I talked to Mrs. Robinson one day in the Media Center. I told her my issue about how it seemed no one wanted to talk to me and how I felt like I was getting the run-around and she was not having it! She told me to call the school I applied to and coached me from beginning to end. I can now say that with Mrs. Robinson's help, I was able to get into Seton Hall University. She helped me mentally and physically, because I was really ready to give up, but she stressed to me the importance of obtaining a college education and how much happier I would be in the end when I finally obtained it. She helped me when no one else would and I thank her for that.
Miya Upshur-Williams
School: Sarah Lawrence College
Studies: Literature
Student Status: Freshman
I met Ms. Regina Robinson in my junior year at Duke Ellington School of the Arts. That year she was my entrepreneurship teacher. She successfully convinced me that artists have a place in the business world and could effectively create, start and manage their own business. From her class, I created my own business “Gypsy Lotus Recycled Jewelry”. With her constant mentoring, encouragement and support I entered the 2007 NFTE Business Plan Competition and placed as a semi-finalist. Her knowledge in entrepreneurship and faith in me enabled me to even practice and manage my business. However, Ms. Robinson’s commitment and mentoring did not stop when her class ended. During my senior year, Ms. Robinson was one of my prime sources of encouragement. Not only did she help me search and apply for scholarships, but she also helped edit my application essays and even wrote a few recommendations. She more than encouraged me to manage my time and meet the expectations I set for myself. She also reminded me that the only limitations that exist are the one’s I created in my mind. Ms. Robinson assisted me in completing three scholarship applications that year. Ms. Robinson remains a positive example that opportunity comes when you create it. I admire her kindness and her commitment to her students. I am truly grateful and humbled to have met and been taught by Regina Robinson.
Joshua Harris
I would like to thank Mrs. Regina Robinson, for helping me understand and realize what it would take for me to get my career started. I started out my freshman year in high school thinking that her class was going to be one of the hardest classes I took all year. After a couple of days in Mrs. Robinson’s class she sent out a message that really got to me “I’m not here to be your friend, I’m here to prepare you for the future.” At first I thought she was one of those teachers who wanted to become teacher of the year or something. After spending a whole year in her class she opened my eyes and made me hunger for what college life would offer me. While in her class, I had the opportunity to attend a field trip with her to Howard University Law School. This was an experience, I would never forget. She was my teacher for three years of high school and without her I would not be the man I am today!
Highlights
HBCU College Tour
College Bound
"Strength does not come from winning; your struggles develop your strengths,
when you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."
Arnold Schwarzenegger