For many students, committing to an Ivy League school is a faraway dream, but for senior Lexi Sells, that dream became her reality. Though this reality seemed impossible to Sells as a first-generation college student, after years of balancing academics, extracurriculars, and leadership roles, Sells received a full 4-year scholarship to Yale University.
“I was so excited, but also in disbelief. I thought I opened someone else’s letter somehow,” said Sells.
Sells started her high school career at New Covenant Christian School, a small school with only about 20 students. Since this school was so small, it did not offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses or clubs.
“I did not have a typical start freshman and sophomore year; I was not very locked in, but I went to a different school, and then I switched to Grand Ledge,” said Sells.
With few opportunities, Sells transferred to Grand Ledge High School (GLHS) midway through her sophomore year to improve her chances of achieving her dream of attending an Ivy League school.
“I kind of found my love for service through NHS, and that’s what started that whole journey pretty much. And I started taking APs and college courses, and I joined a lot of clubs, and I found my passions there,’ said Sells.
Sells plans to major in Ethics, Politics, and Economics. She is interested in law, but not entirely sure; for now, she knows she wants to enter public service.
“I want to do something to help. My big thing is just making a positive impact, so whatever way I can do through my degree is something I want to do,” said Sells.
As Sells prepares for her journey at Yale, she has no family to look up to in this transition, as she is a first-generation college student. She decided to break that generational trend and expand her education.
“My mom just went to community college, and my dad didn’t go to college, so I just wanted to be that, like, the 1st one. I really prioritize my education. I knew that was a big priority for me. I felt really motivated because of that, and I just wanted to break down that barrier and kind of break that generational trend that we had. That was very motivating in that way,” said Sells.
GLHS lacks many resources to help those committed to an Ivy League, so while Sells was preparing for the application process, she couldn’t get the support she needed from family or even from teachers, given their lack of prior Ivy League experience.
“That was tricky because you’re just totally on your own. I couldn’t listen to my family for any help. But I found a good community of people online who were like the same people as me. And through my scholarship program, there were a lot of resources through that,” said Sells.
Sells’s journey to Yale offers an example for other students who aspire to achieve goals like Sells. Through her dedication, she once thought her dreams were unattainable, but they became a reality. As she looks towards her future at Yale, Sells prepares for the challenges ahead.
“Stay determined. Don’t let people tell you what you can and can’t do, and just try your hardest,” said Sells.
