Destiny '21

Hailing from southwestern Virginia, Destiny's goal is to return home with the knowledge and experience gained at Berea College, and beyond, to help her better her hometown community. She plans to attend law school and return to Honaker, Va., where she can be an advocate for change and improve the issues her community faces.

One of only 15 in her graduating high school class of 120 to attend a four-year institution directly following graduation, Destiny is steadfast in her passion to return to her hometown. She said, "I am very passionate about the area I am from, and using policy to make it a better place for everyone."

A first-generation, Appalachian college student, Destiny's path to Berea started with her concern about affording college and avoiding student debt. At the suggestion of a staff member for the Upward Bound program at her high school, Destiny chose to learn more about Berea College. She found it amazing that she could work at the College in the Student Labor Program as a way of contributing towards her room and board. "One of my favorite parts about Berea is the labor aspect," said Destiny. She credits the program with helping her become a well-rounded person, improving her mentoring and professional skills and providing the opportunity to learn more practical skills.

An active participant in Berea College student government, Destiny's most recent experience outside of the classroom includes participation in a summer internship through the Entrepreneurship for the Public Good Program , Berea College's political science department and internship office. During the summer, Destiny interned at the Virginia state delegate office of Dr. Todd Pillion, where she worked with constituents over the phone, wrote letters to voters, researched and contacted potential donors, attended campaign events and more.

The role donors play in providing this comprehensive higher education opportunity is at the forefront of Destiny's thoughts as she explores the many experiences Berea College has provided her. "I think about being here tuition free, and being able to have this learning opportunity and meet the friends that I have - just all of these amazing things that have happened to me - and that people who have never met me decided to invest in my education," said Destiny.

"Donors have changed my life. I don't know where I would be without Berea," said Destiny. "I truly believe that this college really changes lives. I know for myself that my life has been changed for the better, and I am forever grateful for that."