More than a decade ago, as part of ACT’s 50th anniversary celebration, ACT established the ACT Scholars Program, as part of a pair of endowments to nurture the academic talent of graduate and community college students at the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College. These two institutions share ACT’s passion for helping all students achieve their ambitions in college and their careers. ACT emphasized scholarships for students from populations for which the cost of higher education could have presented a significant barrier to college access and accomplishments.
We will feature ACT Scholar blogs regularly, to hear their stories and learn about their college-going journeys. Learn more about the ACT Scholar program.
What was your motivation for going to college and earning a degree?
My main motivation to go to college is mostly my parents. I, of course, want to make them proud and show them I’m capable of doing it. I also want to push myself to be able to do more from graduating and learning more while in college.
What are you currently studying? What degree will you earn?
Right now, I am studying sports management and aiming for my associate degree. After I graduate, I plan to continue my education at a university to earn my bachelor’s degree.
Who inspired or supported you in your college-going journey?
Through my college journey I’ve had so much support from family to friends, even friends of both my parents, and I’m more than grateful for it. I’ve had past Amateur Athletics Union family stay connected with me and support me.
What was the biggest challenge you faced as a first-generation college student?
One struggle that affected me was my surgery on my eye and I had a case of COVID in the first few months of my freshman year. It made me miss out on many in-person classes and basketball, so I had to start a little behind everyone and make my way back to make sure I understood everything.
What advice would you give to a first-generation college student today?
Some advice I would give to any college student is to learn good time management with anything you do. Once you have that figured out, it won’t be as stressful and you’ll have more time for yourself. Also, start setting high personal goals for yourself to help keep yourself moving and motivated.
What goals have you set for yourself?
Some goals that I have for myself are, of course, be able to graduate and finish my sophomore year with an improved GPA, become a better and well-developed basketball player on the court, and to get to that next level.
Tasia (Tae) Jordan is currently a sophomore at Kirkwood Community College. She’s from Chicago and attended Walther Christian Academy where she played on their girls varsity basketball team for four years and currently plays on the women’s basketball team at Kirkwood.