Angelique Lawrence: Made for College
Spring is the most exciting yet one of the most taxing times of the college application process. It’s not uncommon for doubt or negative thoughts to creep into the minds of high school seniors as they eagerly wait to find out what their academic future holds. Angelique Lawrence, an Ánimo South Los Angeles Charter High School graduate (ASLA), knows this feeling all too well. But when she read her acceptance letters from colleges like Pepperdine University and the University of California, Riverside (UCR), Grand Canyon University, University of San Diego, and the University of San Francisco, she felt all self-doubt melt away until there was none. “I was proud of myself because I had a lot of doubts. Like, am I actually going to get into a university or college,” reflected Lawrence. “Then after getting all the acceptances, I was like wow! They really do like me, I was made for college.”
Educators at ASLA were not surprised by Lawrence’s success; over the past four years they witnessed her hard work, determination, and fortitude. “Like most 9th grade students entering high school, Angelique was quiet and very shy; however she began to blossom during her 10th and 11th grade year and became very outgoing and energetic as a senior,” recalled Alexandria Harpole, counselor at ASLA. “Angelique has a wonderful personality and often became the voice of many events that were hosted by our PSG (Panther Student Government) students. As she became older, she accepted challenges and used them as an opportunity to learn and grow into the person she is today.” Lawrence and Harpole developed a close bond during the summer of 2020 when Lawrence participated in Senior Bridge an intensive four-week summer enrichment course that guides students through the college application process.” Her presence in the class created a positive atmosphere and when classmates would be quiet or hesitate on responding, Angelique would immediately volunteer and keep the flow of the class going,” said Harpole.
Reflecting on her road to college, Lawrence is thankful for the teachers and counselors who embarked on this journey with her. “My counselors, they were with me through the whole process, especially my counselor, Ms. Harpole. I was asking her, okay what do I do for this, what do I do for that. She was always there, she gave me her number just in case I needed to ask her any last minute questions, and still to this day she’s helping me,” smiled Lawrence.
Lawrence is proud to be a first generation college student, she recognizes that this is an opportunity to break down barriers and clear a path for others in her family. Inspired by her father, at UCR Lawrence will pursue a degree in business. “My father runs his own catering business, and I love seeing him, and how much he loves owning something of his own and being so proud of it,” said Lawrence. Throughout her life, Lawrence’s father has been a source of inspiration for the college bound alumna. “We don’t see a lot of men being single fathers. My dad just looking at him, seeing how good of a person he is, makes me want to be a good person. It makes me want to work harder, so I can provide for him one day as he’s done for me.”
The educators and staff at ASLA have no doubt that Lawrence will find success at UCR. Though there may be challenges along the way, they know Lawrence has the fortitude to overcome any obstacle that comes her way. “Angelique is positive, energetic and humble. Although she has been through a lot in her young life, her confidence in herself and the love and support she receives from her father pushes her through life’s many obstacles,” said Harpole.
At Green Dot, we are thankful for our counselors who work tirelessly to ensure our students feel supported and possess the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve their postsecondary pursuits. We are especially grateful for all the Green Dot parents for entrusting us with their children each day, as we prepare them for college, leadership, and life.
