Blake A. Minter is a 2016 graduate of Jesup W. Scott High School and recipient of the TPS Foundation scholarship. Blake is majoring in accounting will be graduating from Bethune-Cookman University in the spring of 2020. She recently shared with us not only how life at Bethune-Cookman has been, but also some insight on her experience at TPS.

What was your overall experience like at TPS?
I can honestly say I had a great experience with TPS. I was in a family oriented environment where the teachers cared and the AVID program and my counselor prepared me for college.

What prepared you the most for college?
The AVID program and Ms. Mazcka’s class. In this program and class, I had the opportunity to visit various colleges and I learned how to properly make a resume and write college entrance and scholarship letters. In addition, I learned great study skills, how to apply for standardized testing such as the ACT and fill out different college applications. Another thing that helped was my counselor’s scholarship board. I applied for as many scholarships as possible and though it took a while to receive scholarships, I was able to attend my freshman year of college for free with my college tuition award and the local scholarships received.

What are some lessons you learned at TPS that have served you well while at college?
I learned that each individual is more substantial than their outer appearance. Everyone has a story and we should listen before passing judgement.

Do you have any advice for the students of TPS?
Know that all obstacles are temporary and you are in control of your destiny. Do what you know is right, continue to work hard, keep your GPA up and study for the standardized tests (ACT and/or SAT). Your GPA + your test scores + community involvement = money. Money will help you pay for college and hopefully graduate debt free. College is not hard, but you do have to work and network. As they say, it is not about what you know, but who you know. Go to college, do well, and form connections so you can do anything you want in life and be successful at it.

Let’s talk about college now – what are you enjoying most about Bethune-Cookman?
I love B-CU’s inclusive, family oriented culture. B-CU is definitely my home away from home. 

Can you tell us a little bit about what you are doing now?
As a senior at B-CU, I currently serve as Miss Bethune-Cookman University. All HBCUs have campus royalty; I am the queen of my university. I am a student ambassador and must represent the school well at all times. In addition to serving as Miss B-CU, I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and various campus organizations, one of which I served as the president last year. Academically, as a senior, I continue to keep my grades up (3.8 gpa) and am now exploring grad opportunities in addition to applying for jobs/internships at various accounting firms.

Do you have any plans for after graduation?
Immediately after graduation, I will fulfill an internship with Deloitte in Atlanta, Georgia. I will also strive to obtain my CPA credentials, real estate license and go to graduate school to receive my Masters in Nonprofit Management and possibly my doctorate in Women’s Studies.