Janell (SEED Miami '25, Xavier University of Louisiana '29) didn't just attend SEED Miami; she fully embraced every opportunity its 24-hour college-preparatory boarding program offered. She challenged herself academically, honed her teamwork and leadership skills through extracurriculars, and gained invaluable career exposure through SEED Miami's community partnerships. The strong bonds she forged with SEED staff have been instrumental in her growth and success, and now, Janell is excited to embark on her college journey, ready to continue cultivating her intellectual curiosity, skills, and talents.
The SEED Advantage
From the moment she knew college was in her path, Janell and her family recognized SEED Miami's programs and resources were precisely what she needed. The unique environment—built on close relationships, a diverse range of experiences, a college-prep focus, and incredibly supportive faculty and staff—allowed Janell to truly thrive. She blossomed from a shy student who struggled with confidence into an outgoing leader eager to seek out new challenges.
"I built a community at SEED—friends who became family and staff members who became trusted mentors," Janell shares. "Feeling that constant support, knowing they genuinely care and grow alongside us, has been huge. I have people I can go to when I need help with an assignment, or I just want to talk. They really care about each and every student."
Exploration and Experiences
Janell’s time at SEED Miami was rich with career exposure opportunities, giving her an inside look at many potential paths after college. While she's interested in psychology and criminal justice, she also discovered a talent for teaching.
Her exploration into the legal field began as a member of SEED Miami's Mock Trial team. "I loved mock trial," she recalls. "We actually have a competition for our case. I played a lawyer, and my role was to examine an expert witness. I also conducted a cross-examination in another case." Meeting and learning from practicing attorneys and judges further solidified her interest in criminal justice. Janell's journey also included being selected for the Carnival Foundation’s Scholarship & Mentoring program, where she gained insights into the corporate world and successfully competed for a college scholarship.
Beyond the courtroom, Janell discovered her passion for education during a summer teaching fellow program. "I created lesson plans and taught my own classroom of sixth-graders," she says. "I had an opportunity to teach science, which is my favorite subject. My favorite moment was at the end of the session. All the kids were running up to me on the last day and telling me that I helped them love science. You can never go wrong with science—there is so much creativity.”
Janell also honed her leadership skills by serving as Student Government president during her junior year and actively participating in SEED Miami’s athletic programs, including swimming and cheerleading.
Next Stop: College Success!
Thanks to the comprehensive college exposure and advising resources at SEED Miami, Janell felt fully supported and informed throughout the rigorous college application process. "SEED has a good college preparatory program, and they really help with scholarships," Janell states. "SEED is very hands-on with the college application process. They helped me with researching right fit colleges. They take this seriously."
Janell had her pick of institutions, earning acceptances from more than 10 colleges. "Every time I got an acceptance letter, I would tell my family. They are all very proud of me." She has chosen to enroll in Xavier University of Louisiana in the fall.
Janell has every reason to be incredibly proud of her hard work and accomplishments at SEED. She has consistently pushed herself beyond her comfort zone, excelled both inside and outside the classroom, and persistently pursued her college goals. Reflecting on her SEED journey, Janell clearly sees how much she has grown. "SEED has helped me develop confidence and leadership skills," she reflects. "I see myself as someone that people can depend on—I’m responsible, driven, and independent."
Janell's Advice
To students and families considering a SEED education, Janell offers this advice: "I recommend SEED to students that feel like they can thrive at a boarding school. It’s ideal for any student whose goal is college and who would benefit from a supportive environment to achieve it. It’s like creating a new family—my peers are my family.”