Clementina Aboagye
Colgate University, Class of 2025
Undeclared
What is your major and expected graduation year?
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My name is Clementina Aboagye, and my major is currently undecided, but I am looking into potentially double majoring in Political Science and Sociology or Psychology on the Pre-Law track. Additionally, I am currently a freshman so my expected graduation year is 2025.
What did you think about college before you attended?
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Growing up as a first-generation student and an immigrant, college has always been seen as the path of refuge for my family. I was always told to get a college degree so I would get a job that would allow me to make money and also live a fulfilling life. However, I feel that even though I grew up around a culture that constantly encouraged a college education, I also saw going to University as a place for me to study and pursue my passions. I have always wanted to go to a school that emphasized rigorous academics and one that would prepare me for my endeavors post undergraduate education.
How do you think being a first generation student has affected your college experience?
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​Being at a school like Colgate University, casual wealth is a common thing that you realize surrounds a lot of the students. Being first-gen at Colgate, at times it can feel a bit difficult because I do not have a huge amount of people who understand what my situation is like. Nonetheless, there is still a proactive community of students at Colgate, who are also first-gen and who have similar backgrounds as myself, and that helps to alleviate any daunting feelings.
What do you love about your college?
After completing my first semester of University at Colgate, I can say that first and foremost, I love that the institution is so generous about financial aid and really ensures that finances do not prohibit a student from attending the school. In addition, I also love the small classes and the interdisciplinary curriculum. I feel that I am able to learn so much from my peers and I am also able to hear from various perspectives.
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What is your favorite subject or class you’ve taken?
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My favorite class so far at Colgate University would have to be French Caribbean, which I took with Professor Ramakrishnan for my first semester. It was a class that really allowed me to reconcile with different viewpoints on identity and really delve into my experiences and how that has shaped my livelihood. Additionally, I also loved that I got to learn so much about countries like Guadeloupe, and Martinique, and learn about how I have shared experiences with people on the island.
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What advice would you give a high school student preparing for college?
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An advice that I would give a High School student would be to trust in yourself and also trust the process. At times when you may feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, remember that this too shall pass. You will end up at the institution that will allow you to acquire tremendous growth and really push you past your limits. You just have to remember to work hard and believe in your own worth. The rest will eventually work itself out and you will end up wherever you belong.
Are you a Renaissance Scholar? Current scholars and alumni can share their stories here.