From the academically rich halls of Groves High School emerges a young woman whose journey paints a living tapestry of passion, resilience and determination. Ciera Green, with her perfect 4.0 GPA, isn’t just a high school graduate; she’s a testament to the power of determination and dreams, set to walk the hallowed halls of Harvard University this fall.
“I am very happy to have the opportunity to go to Harvard. I get upset when people suggest I was admitted just because I’m black because I feel like they overlook the work I’ve done to be successful and involved in my community,” Green said.
“It’s something that black students often experience, especially when it comes to affirmative action. I think my race is not what got me into college. If I was of another ethnicity, I think I could still have been admitted. However, being a young black woman who will be attending Harvard in the fall, I feel like I am setting an example for my community and proving that it is possible.
Harvard’s recent position on the elimination of affirmative action has been the subject of intense debate and discussion. Historically, affirmative action was initiated to address the inequalities faced by marginalized communities in education and employment. Harvard, however, has sought to emphasize individual merit rather than systemic interventions, aspiring to create an environment in which each student’s accomplishments shine on their own. On the contrary, the university has in fact chosen to maintain the former applicants.
Moreover, in this context, Green’s entry into Harvard testifies to his undeniable talent. Clear in her convictions, she expresses a firm conviction: her placement in this elite institution is the result of her unwavering dedication and not of a predetermined quota.
“The affirmative action decision is a setback, but it doesn’t mean the door is closed. I’m really looking forward to my time at Harvard,” she said.
Interestingly, Harvard wasn’t always Green’s dream. Following college admissions, the rich history and heritage of North Carolina A&T has drawn attention. NCAT, with its rich HBCU heritage, appealed to him first. She was about to become part of a history that many black Americans cherish. There was the lure of the driving rhythm of HBCU marching bands, the richness of tradition, the legacy of the Divine Nine, and the honor of an invitation to A&T’s prestigious honors college. With her family draped in Aggie pride, imagining Ciera’s future seemed all done. The Green family roamed the campus, already visualizing Ciera’s journey there.
But sometimes life has other plans.
Harvard’s signature crimson “H” began to resonate with Green, not as a mere trademark but as a beacon. It goes without saying that this institution does not have the quintessential HBCU experience it was initially looking for. No Greek organization. No HBCU-flavored fanfares. A distinct dearth of representation of black culture. But at Harvard, she saw a challenge; an opportunity to dive deep into a global realm of opportunity.
His explorations in documentaries have revealed painful truths: the remnants of the red line and the lasting impact it has had on black communities. With worrying asthma-related death rates among black children, Green’s vision is clear: She wants to be a beacon of change, a white-coated advocate, armed with knowledge and compassion.
At the heart of his decision at Harvard is a deeper calling, his eyes set on the vast field of medicine. Green’s academic pursuits in medicine stem from a deep interest in the social determinants of health, accentuated by his personal experiences and family background. It’s personal. It’s deep. The disturbing data — with black children’s death rate from asthma being 700 to 800 percent higher than that of their white peers — isn’t just a statistic for Green; it’s a bugle call. She wants to delve into understanding these systemic disparities, all with the goal of advocating for change in the medical field.
“My greatest hope as I enter my freshman year and begin my journey at Harvard is to make meaningful connections,” Green said. “Harvard is the nation’s oldest university and enjoys an unrivaled global reputation for excellence. »
Beyond the confines of textbooks and research, the dance is Green’s heart song. From the Debbie Allen Dance Academy to countless dance competitions, she has turned her passion into a goal, winning numerous accolades over time. The rich tapestry of her dance journey has its roots in Legacy Dance Studio, which focused on the beauty and history of African American dance.
“Being a classically trained black dancer made me realize that there is so much power in our blackness,” she said. “One of my dance teachers made me realize that hard work wins out over talent when talent doesn’t work hard. I have relied on this mantra many times when I felt discouraged or frustrated that I was not getting the results I wanted from myself.
Yet there is another unexpected feather in Green’s cap: golf. His story with the Midnight Golf Program (MGP) is both enchanting and enlightening. With 300 hours under his belt, his MGP journey isn’t just about perfecting a swing, it’s about honing his leadership, immersing himself in community values, and preparing for college life. The Midnight Golf program has shaped it beyond the golf course greens. Under the tutelage of seasoned mentors, Green’s transformation from self-proclaimed “worst golfer” to passionate person sums up her tenacity.
Every rising star has his moments of doubt. For Green, it was about inner battles: overcoming the hidden shadows of impostor syndrome and self-doubt. These internal adversities, however, only strengthened his resolve. Besides, no journey is without internal battles.
“My biggest hurdle has been self-doubt and feeling impostor syndrome, especially as I enter this next chapter of my life,” Green explained.
“College in general is very different from high school, and since I attend an Ivy League school, I often question my place in college. Am I smart enough, if I will pass my pre-med studies, if someone else should have been admitted in my place, etc. Recently, the mantra “everything happens for a reason” has been running through my head, because it’s a principle that my mother always told me. I have to realize that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I’m my biggest critic, so it’s about changing my mindset.
Yet the lessons she learned, including dancing, allowed her to challenge and overcome these internal adversaries. And through each ordeal, his mother has been his beacon, his anchoring force.
“Even though it’s cliché, I have to say my mom is my presenter,” Green said. “She has been my rock since day one. She always led by example and showed me the importance of achieving my goals, no matter how long it takes. Whenever I’m stressed or doubting myself, she reassures me and brings me back to reality. Especially during the last year, when there was a lot of uncertainty, whether it was university studies or scholarships, she was a very important person at my side to support me.
Now, as she sets foot in Massachusetts, transitioning from Michigan, it’s not just a new phase in her college life. It is about pursuing a journey rich in experiences, inspirations and dreams. With his mother’s lessons to heart, Green’s Harvard journey promises to be nothing short of legendary. In the Class of 2027, of the many luminaries, Ciera Green is sure to shine brightest.
“I’m very excited. Boston is a very different city to the Detroit metro area, so I’m excited to step out into this new space and be able to grow and make new memories,” Green shared. make sure I get the most out of my time at Harvard, I don’t want to feel like I missed an opportunity or have any regrets. I’m really looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me.
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