US teen receives acceptance from 55 colleges, Rs. 7cr scholarship
A Georgia-based teen, Jakelia Baker, has been selected in 55 colleges out of 65 she had applied to including Oklahoma, Clemson and Michigan State. Baker later took a decision to join Penn State Beaver on an athletic scholarship. She plays five sports and will join the Penn State's volleyball team. She has also received a total scholarship of worth more than Rs. 7 crore.
Baker will graduate as a valedictorian in May
17-year-old Baker will be graduating from Lucy Craft Laney High School in Augusta in May as a valedictorian (an academic title given to highest ranking student) with a 4.1 GPA. Like most students, she started applying to colleges last summer. The teen, confused about where she wants to go, used admission apps like Common App, to send out her applications.
55 acceptance letters 'boosted self-esteem,' Penn State 'feels like family'
Later the acceptance letters started coming in and it piled up to stunning 55 colleges. In an interview, Baker said, "It really boosted my self-esteem because I didn't think I would be able to get into that many schools." She said "they feel like my second family already," when asked about choosing the Penn State Beaver. Baker also dominated the athletics in school.
Baker captained school's volleyball team, played 4 more sports
She was the captain of her volleyball team and also played basketball, tennis, golf and soccer. Baker also actively participated in school's other extracurricular activities. She was in the marching band and choir as a drum major, participated in math team and school's yearbook. Moreover, Baker was the president and a student ambassador of the student council and the National Honor Society.
Baker says got discipline and time-management from mother
Baker gives credit to her mother, Denise Baker, who served in the military, for her ability to manage time for all the activities. "I'm just proud to be her mom. Her work ethic is tremendous. She can procrastinate at times, but whatever she sets her mind to, she will do it," Denise said. "If you continue to keep pushing, you will succeed," said Baker.
Keep pushing and you will reach your goal, says Baker
Baker, who also received scholarship awards of more than Rs. 7 crore, caught the attention of national media and said that her hard work paid off. "The process will be hard, but keep pushing and you will reach your goals," she advised the students applying for colleges.
