Founder's Statement

Founder’s Statement

The Butterfly Affect

I fell in love with college the moment I stepped onto campus. What’s wild is that I hadn’t even seen the school before being admitted. I had followed a friend who had a clearer vision for her future and was awarded nearly a full scholarship to what would become my alma mater, Saint Elizabeth University.

I joined the EOF program that summer and started my journey full of excitement and optimism. I earned all A’s in the cohort and even qualified for the honors society after my freshman year. That might sound like bragging, but the truth is none of it felt expected. My success actually surprised me. Why? Because my relationship with the college process had been practically nonexistent.

In high school, accessing college resources felt like a game of hide and seek with that one cousin who hides so well you forget they’re even playing. Most of the resources in Newark were supposed to be open and available, but I had to actively hunt for them. All I was really told was:

• “Go to the school that gives you the most money.”

• “Here’s an SAT fee waiver.”

That was it. No guidance, no deep understanding, no real preparation.

And so, I entered college holding onto misguided beliefs, like:

• “C’s get degrees.”

• “I can show up to class in pajamas, right?”

• “My tuition pays their salaries, they’re lucky if I show up.”

But after experiencing the rewards of hard work and academic achievement, my mindset began to shift. I realized college was more than just showing up it was about becoming. And once I understood that, everything changed.

Now, I’m here to help the next generation of Newark students do the same.

At The Butterfly Affect, we believe a small mindset shift can unlock a lifetime of opportunity. We walk students through what it really means, and what it truly takes, to not just attend college, but to thrive and graduate.

This is personal. This is urgent. And this is possible.

Join us.