Keyona Schill
Year 1: Freshman Year
This year, I started a new job, made new friends who live in and outside of Ohio, started working out at the UC Rec center, started eating at multiple cafeterias by myself, and volunteered for 31 hours. My biggest accomplishment/growth that I’m proud of is receiving all A’s in the spring semester versus the fall semester. I didn’t get the best grades, dropped a class, and my GPA dropped to 3.3. Now, I have a 3.69 GPA and earned an award of excellence.
In December, my cousin was murdered by his friend while he experienced homelessness, and then in April, my grandpa passed away. These two tragic events woke me up that life is short and that I can’t give up on the things I care about. School has always been my main priority and focus, and my grandpa was always there to cheer me on about my accomplishments. After the fall semester, I started contacting my professors and TAs more. I began to finish my study guides in time to study them for my exams. Instead of taking notes when the professor gives a lecture, I would already take notes before class.
I will continue to reach out to my professors, advisors, and TAs. While working at CECH Student Services, I will continue to use their support and resources, such as financial aid or CAPS. The Cincinnatus board committee is very helpful when it comes to helping me find resources related to housing, meal plans, purchasing textbooks, and parking services. Their generosity is the reason why I maintain this great relationship.
Year 2: Sophomore Year
A social issue that was extremely important to me this year was mental health. Not only did I decide to focus on my mental health, but I was also able to help encourage others on how to improve theirs.
In December, a lady who I considered a grandma who used to babysit me passed away unexpectedly; this led me to get into counseling through the CAPS office. I tried a few sessions and realized I needed something else. Then I started working out, returning to taking long walks and reducing my bad habits. I began to sleep more at night and get more involved on campus. I’m now the president of the CECH Tribunal, my first official leadership role and it has been great so far.
I became a Bearcat Academy Mentor and love it. I met so many bright and intelligent young students in the summer program. At first, they didn’t want to talk less or feel connected, but by the end of the program, they were so social and thanked us for supporting them. During those 4 days of the program, the students wrote an essay for the Common App, and I’m grateful for my mentees being open to sharing their personal experiences regarding what they’ve been through with us. On the last night, we sat in a circle with a group of young ladies and allowed them to express their feelings, and by the end of the night, they were hugging each other and making friends. This was a proud moment for me because I witnessed such an ease of comfort from the students.
I chose mental health as my research project for Intermediate Composition to learn more about mental health. I researched using Google Scholar to find ways for college students to improve their mental health and gain motivation to finish school. I designed a website for anyone to view for advice based on medical professionals and educators.
My next steps are to promote mental health resources and continue influencing others on how they should find positive coping styles such as coloring, journaling, walking, etc.
Mental health matters.
Year 3: Junior Year
This year, I have focused my research on the challenges and successes faced by children sentenced to life in prison, also known as juvenile lifers, when they are released. As I present my findings at research conferences, I’m eager to learn more about a successful reentry. I’ve had the opportunity to review interview transcripts from individuals sentenced to Life Without Parole, gaining insights into their childhood, prison experiences, and the reentry process. While working on my research with my mentor, I participated in his Inside Out program, which allowed me to hear the concerns and real experiences of formerly incarcerated individuals who have turned their lives around. My goal is to raise awareness about the effects of reintegrating into society and to continue exploring what a successful reentry process can entail. This summer, I plan to intern in my research program, the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program, and continue to grow my research skills and network with other scholars.
Year 4: Senior Year
Achievements
This year, my friend and I had our t-shirt design selected by the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH). It’s been a milestone year as I turned 21 and celebrated my adorable nephew’s first birthday. As the school year begins, I’m exploring graduate programs that align with my interests and strengths. I also had the opportunity to meet Congressman Greg Landsman through the Urban Youth Leadership Academy, where I’m an undergraduate research assistant in the first cohort of this newly launched program. To further prepare for graduate school, I enrolled in 1-2 master classes in criminal justice to get a taste of graduate-level coursework.
As I look ahead to spring 2025, wish me luck! I’ll continue traveling to research conferences, determining the best graduate program for me, and I may even embark on my first research study abroad trip to Croatia.