SEED DC graduate Nia Fowler-Washington (SEED DC ’24, University of South Carolina ’28) is not just attending her dream school—she’s excelling there. As she tackles a challenging course load and immerses herself in campus life, she reflects on the profound impact her time at SEED had on her journey.
The First Steps Toward College
Nia started her SEED journey in 2017 at SEED DC, following in her older brother’s footsteps. The challenging academics, campus community, and exposure opportunities were the right fit for a driven student such as Nia. “We had rigorous teachers – they lit the fire under us and helped us develop a passion for learning,” she recalls. Nia also cherished the residential component of SEED, where she built lasting relationships with her peers and student life advisors. “The boarding component was a highlight of my time at SEED. My student life advisors were really cool. I built strong relationships with adults, many of whom I still talk to.”
Nia Fowler- Washington,
2024 SEED Scholarship Recipient
Beyond the classroom, Nia took advantage of SEED's extensive extracurricular and travel opportunities. She served as a sports manager for several teams and, as a student, traveled to Greece, Ghana, and Brazil. "These trips were amazing experiences that I still talk about," she says. "I am friends with students on campus from Greece and Brazil, and we often chat about my time in their home countries."
When it came time for college, SEED’s comprehensive college-prep program set her up for success. "We got a lot of test prep support," remembers Nia, who also credits her college counselor, Ms. Tull, for her invaluable help with the application process.
Diving Into Campus Life
Now at the University of South Carolina, Nia is enrolled in the competitive pre-business program, where she is double-majoring in finance and risk management/insurance. She learned early on the importance of using academic resources such as tutoring. "My first semester I got a 3.3 GPA, but I know I could have done even better if I had used tutoring and supplemental instruction more often," she admits. Her advice to fellow SEED graduates is clear: "Don't limit yourself. Take all the help you can get!"
Nia is also very involved in campus life. She joined a Christian group, which she found on her first day of freshman year, and this summer she was an orientation leader, helping new students navigate campus. This paid position is a way for her to give back. "As an orientation leader, I helped new students and their parents get to know the campus and their academic colleges through small group sessions and campus tours," she says.
Nia's connection to SEED remains strong through her dedicated college success advisor, Ms. Parker Martin. They regularly talk and text, and Ms. Martin visited her on campus during her freshman year. Her advisor serves as a valuable sounding board as Nia plans her future. "I am still trying to figure out exactly what I want to do," Nia says, "but I’ve always been interested in finance and learning how to make and save money. Ms. Martin has provided reassurance and support with this career path."
Living and Learning
Nia is entering her sophomore year ready to continue to excel. The relationships, experiences, and college readiness she developed at SEED continue to serve her in each new achievement. We can't wait to see what her future brings!