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This Student Turned Down Full Ride at Harvard for Howard but Her Post Grad Plans Will Truly Amaze You

During President Obama’s last commencement speech of his presidency, Obama singles out student Ciearra Jefferson in front of her Howard University graduating class Saturday.

In a Sunday interview with CNN‘s Fredricka Whitfield, Jefferson talks about how she turned down a Harvard scholarship to attend Howard University. Jefferson tells Whitfield that she always wanted to go to Howard, pledge a sorority, and that her family encourages “Black excellence.”

Jefferson was raised by a single mom and had always excelled in academics. Her hard work garnered her the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship that pays for her education up to her doctorate’s program. Now, the Southfield, Michigan native wants to be like Thurgood Marshall, helping her community back home.

She tells Whitfield that success for her is when her mother can rest. Now, she is entering a graduate program at Emory University in Atlanta.

What people are saying

10 thoughts on “This Student Turned Down Full Ride at Harvard for Howard but Her Post Grad Plans Will Truly Amaze You

  1. That's what I'm talking about, uppity schools shouldn't be taking all the talent. Take note Obama girls.

  2. Chase Jones says:

    What makes them talented?

  3. Janice Grieshaber Geddes Not at all, I am jealous that she was able to attend Howard, though. Now, that's a school I would've loved to have gone to.

  4. Lorinda Gill says:

    Why are you attacking a child?

  5. Wycie Ro says:

    I agree. Go to black schools and soar!!!!!

  6. You sound jealous. Couldn't get in, huh?

  7. Chase Jones id say their parents!!!

  8. Hernan Tasies Guido I'm truly happy you feel you got a good education and wonder why you begrudge Malia the same? Calling Harvard "uppity" is like calling the Taj Mahal pretentious. Sometimes "attitude" is earned.

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