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Meet the Scholar: Christopher Wilson, Class of 2020

University of Wisconsin – Madison, Class of 2020

Growing up in Chicago’s South Austin neighborhood, Christopher did not have many role models to look up to who were pursuing a college degree. Christopher chose to view this challenge as a source of motivation: he decided to become that role model for his younger brothers.

As a high school junior, he applied to and was accepted into the Chicago Scholars program. Through Chicago Scholars, he applied to his top choice school, University of Wisconsin – Madison, where he will be attending this fall with a full tuition scholarship. Christopher says:

“Senior year for me was hard enough with all of the AP classes, sports, and college applications that I had to focus on. If I wasn’t a part of Chicago Scholars, I would have gotten lost in all the madness. This program helped me and hundreds of other students plan ahead so that we got everything taken care of in a punctual and efficient manner. They provided weekly writing workshops for college and scholarship essays. They had monthly workshops to introduce the next step of action in the college application process. All the information and guidance that they gave me helped make my dream of higher education become a reality.

Chicago Scholars has been like training wheels for me. They have kept me from falling down when things got shaky with school.”

“CHICAGO SCHOLARS HELPED ME BUILD THE CONFIDENCE TO GO OUT AND ACCOMPLISH THINGS THAT I NEVER THOUGHT WOLD BE POSSIBLE.”

Christopher’s Vision for the Future

This fall, Christopher is looking forward to beginning his college journey at University of Wisconsin – Madison, where he will be pursuing a degree in computer science. Afterwards, he plans to pursue a Masters degree in software engineering and development and ultimately become a software engineer or information technology manager. While his short-term goals involve creating an efficient way to increase data capacities in computer processors, his long-term goal is to make a difference in the world.

“I will help build Chicago’s reputation by giving back to programs like Chicago Scholars that helps bring out the fullest potential of students. I plan to create a foundation that will assist future generation students in paying for college.”

About Christopher

Christopher will be graduating from Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Academy in June and will begin college at University of Wisconsin – Madison as part of the Class of 2020 this fall. At our College Choice Celebration in May, Fox 32 Chicago covered Christopher’s story and college decision announcement.   Reporter Craig Wall joined Christopher at his home and followed him from his neighborhood to the College Choice Celebration at Navy Pier.

Click here to watch the coverage

 

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