Over the next few weeks, Gates County Community Partnership will highlight some of its scholarship recipients, emphasizing their college journey and experiences since receiving one of our scholarships. Our objectives are to keep our local community engaged in the success of our youth and to help improve our students’ understanding of college. We recognize how these stories can inspire others and deliver a positive impact on young lives.
Today’s spotlight is on Amaria Hathaway, a 2023 graduate of Gates County High School and a recipient of Gates County Community Partnership’s “3 Sisters A.R.E. Achievers” Scholarship! This scholarship was sponsored by Dr. Crystal Harden of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, UNC-Chapel Hill.
1. What major or area of study did you choose?
My current major is Biology with a minor in Sustainability.
2. What are you up to now?
I am working and a junior in college. I am no longer attending North Carolina Central University. I decided to transfer during the Fall 2024 semester to Elizabeth City State University.
3. How did the “3 Sisters ARE Achievers Scholarship” help ease your transition into college?
First, I would like to thank you for allowing me to be one of the recipients of the “3 Sisters ARE Achievers Scholarship” in 2023. It was truly an honor.
The “3 Sisters ARE Achievers Scholarship” helped make my transition into college a wonderful experience. The scholarship helped make sure that all my books and other school needs were taken care of.
4. Can you share your experience transitioning from high school to college?
My transition from high school to college was definitely one for the books; it was a big adjustment for me. I was eager for the change and the new independence I would take on, but as I was spending time with friends and family before I left, I became emotional. It was finally sinking in that in a few months I would be starting a new journey that only God and I could control. However, my anxiety subsided after I started college, and I realized that I would not have been there if it was not meant for me. I learned a lot from my transition. It improved me as a person and opened my eyes to more perspectives than I could have ever dreamed of.
5. What have been some of your most rewarding experiences during college?
Meeting a lot of new individuals from a variety of backgrounds has been one of the most fulfilling experiences. Meeting new individuals helped me acclimate to living on a huge campus by making me feel at home. I have gained more networking skills and discovered some new hobbies, as a result.
6. In what ways have you been able to engage with the community since high school?
Since high school, I have actively engaged with my community by giving back. I have been donating clothes and shoes that I no longer need to Goodwill and to families in need. My goal is to do even more in 2025, reengaging with food banks and helping many others.
7. What are your life goals/aspirations?
My life goals/aspirations are to become a successful forensic biologist and lawyer, become a millionaire by 25, travel the world, start a business in 2025, and start back my fitness journey. I also want to be consistent in giving back to my community at least three times a month in any way that I can.
8. What advice would you offer to future college students on making the most of their college experience and giving back to their community?
Actively participate in campus life, explore various viewpoints through coursework and extracurricular activities, look for volunteer opportunities that fit your interests, develop deep connections with peers and professors, and think about how your abilities can meet local needs through advocacy or direct service. Finally, to prosper in college, I found it best to balance academic pursuits with a healthy social life and seek help when needed. Just know that it’s okay to seek assistance or ask questions. Never hesitate to ask.