For Widenerson Moise, becoming the first in his family to attend college wasn't only about creating new opportunities for himself. Now, he's using his experience to help other students imagine what's possible for them.
Moise, a rising senior at Bowie State University, recently spoke to high school students in Washington, D.C., about preparing for college, leadership, resilience and finding their purpose.
The event, hosted through the United Way of the National Capital Area this spring, gave Moise the opportunity to represent Bowie State and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) as one of three panelists.
“Being able to speak to the younger generation as they leap into college was very impactful,” Moise said. “Seeing them prepare to go to college and hearing some of them say, ‘Maybe I do want to go to college,’ made me feel really good.”
Born and raised in Haiti, Moise is a first-generation college student who entered higher education determined to create a different path for his family.
“My mindset has always been, ‘I want to be the first one to change the course,’” he said.
At Bowie State, Moise has turned that mindset into leadership on campus. As a TMCF Yard Ambassador, he connects his peers with scholarships, resources and other opportunities available through the organization.
“I’m able to help my peers access scholarships and share information about the resources and opportunities TMCF offers,” Moise said.
His work doesn't stop on campus. Moise is also the founder of DubVisual, a photography and storytelling business focused on capturing milestones including graduations and weddings.
Through entrepreneurship, campus leadership and conversations with students preparing for their own college journeys, Moise continues to draw from the path that brought him from Haiti to Bowie State.
“Opportunities, education and faith can open doors far beyond what you may see today,” Moise said.
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