story and photos by Claire Miller
Porsche Sims has always wanted to work with children.
Since participating in the Alonzo A. Crim Center for Urban Educational Excellence’s Early College program – which brings high school students to campus to earn college credit and prepare for their own college careers – she has enrolled at Georgia State University, taken classes in the College of Education & Human Development and started charting a career path in education.
Keep reading to learn more about her educational goals and how Early College prepared her for the work she’s doing now.
Q: What was the best moment/experience you had as part of the Early College program?
A: The best moment I had as part of Early College was when I walked into the Georgia State Bookstore and walked out with my required books in hand free of charge. I will forever be grateful for that moment. I knew someone was responsible for supporting me and the fact that they allowed me to study at Georgia State without worrying about finances was the best experience.
Q: How do you think the Early College program prepared you for college?
A: When I took my first American Sign Language (ASL) course at Georgia State, we could not talk at all – we were fully immersed in ASL. Early College allows you to dive into college without drowning. There was always a lifeguard nearby, like [Early College Director] Dr. Tene Davis, to save a student in need.
Q: What made you decide to enroll at Georgia State University, and in the College of Education & Human Development in particular? What have you enjoyed most about being a student in our college?
A: I decided to enroll in the College of Education & Human Development because I’ve always had a passion for children. I want to be a positive influence on young lives. After just one psychology course, I realized child psychology wasn’t the way I wanted to go. I took a child development course and knew that I wanted to become a teacher. And after a special education course, I realized that I wanted to work with children with special needs as well.
Q: What do you hope to do once you graduate?
A: When I finish my degree, I’m going to get my master’s in special education here at Georgia State. I will go on to teach for a few years and one day find a way to start my own school.
Q: What advice do you have for high school students considering the Early College program? What advice would you give to those students who want to enroll at Georgia State?
A: I would advise students who want to enter the Early College program to not take things lightly, to work hard and push yourself. For students who want to enroll at Georgia State, I’d say go for it – it’s a great university. Stay focused and motivated and you will succeed.