Informal Education Through Community Efforts by Kendall

Informal Education Through Community Efforts by Kendall - June 2024 Scholarship Essay

Hello, my name is Kendall Baggett, and I am a member of the competitive cheer team at Xavier University of Louisiana. When people think of college cheerleading, they often envision jumps, flips, and energetic routines. While these elements are certainly a big part of our sport, my team wanted to do more than just entertain; we wanted to make a lasting impact on our community and support our black peers. To achieve this, we had to think creatively, and our solution was to establish an academic team specifically for cheerleaders. I have the honor of leading this initiative.

The primary goal of our academic team is to help incoming freshmen acclimate to the rigorous lifestyle of balancing both college academics and athletics. It is well known that black students often face educational disparities due to systemic issues such as redlining, the school-to-prison pipeline, inequitable funding, systemic racism, and segregation. These social structures put black students at a disadvantage compared to their peers, making the transition to college even more challenging.

As the head of this academic team, my role is to alleviate some of these stressors and ensure a smooth transition for incoming freshmen from their high school environments to Xavier University. One of our strategies is to have incoming freshmen take online summer classes to boost their academic readiness. Additionally, I sit down with each student to discuss how to excel in college, anticipate potential challenges, and develop strategies to overcome them.

Throughout the academic year, I maintain regular contact with the freshmen to monitor their progress and offer support. This includes setting up meetings with advisors, faculty, and other university personnel as needed to address any academic concerns. By providing this continuous support, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and academic confidence among our new students.

In the past year, our efforts have led to a significant increase in the average GPA of incoming freshmen on the cheer team. Many of these students no longer need to take extra classes during the winter or summer to maintain their academic or athletic scholarships. This success is a testament to the effectiveness of our program and the dedication of our team to supporting black students.

Overall, our academic team has already set many black freshmen up for success, and we are committed to continuing our efforts. By doing so, we hope to further our reach and ensure that even more black students in our community have the tools and support they need to thrive in their academic and athletic pursuits. This initiative is not just about helping students succeed in the present; it is about creating a legacy of empowerment and achievement for future generations of black students at Xavier University and beyond.

Our program also emphasizes the importance of mental health and well-being. We organize workshops on stress management, time management, and self-care. These sessions are designed to help students balance the demands of their academic and athletic responsibilities while maintaining their mental and emotional health.

In addition, we collaborate with other campus organizations to provide a comprehensive support network. For example, we partner with the Black Student Union to host cultural events and networking opportunities that celebrate our heritage and build a strong sense of community. By connecting students with various resources and support systems, we create a nurturing environment where they can thrive.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this initiative is seeing the personal growth and success of the students we support. Many of our freshmen have shared how the program has boosted their confidence, improved their academic performance, and helped them develop a strong support network. These success stories motivate us to continue our work and expand our reach.

Our long-term vision is to create a sustainable model that can be replicated by other college teams and organizations. By sharing our experiences and best practices, we hope to inspire others to take similar steps to support their communities. Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to a broader movement that addresses educational disparities and promotes equity and inclusion in higher education.