Before their first day of high school, we ask UP RVA students to answer some big questions:
Who are you doing this for? Why are you doing it? And how will you get there?
After four weeks together at Summer Institute (read about Why We Start Before School Starts), the eight members of UP RVA’s Class of 2030 stood before their families, teachers, alumni, staff, and community and shared their answers.
There was no single answer.
They talked about parents and grandparents. College and careers. Faith and family. Failure, sacrifice, and the futures they are beginning to imagine.
Most importantly, they spoke in their own words.
In Their Own Words
For Mercy, a rising freshman at St. Catherine’s, her “who” was easy: her mom.
But when Mercy talked about what comes next, she recognized that having support is only part of the equation.
“UP RVA can’t achieve my goals for me. They can help me get there, but I have to put in work on my side.”
And then she put it even more simply:
“I will put in my best effort and I know UP RVA will match it.”
Rakea, also beginning her freshman year at St. Catherine’s, spoke about watching her mom work hard to give her family every opportunity she could.
That example has shaped what Rakea wants for her own future.
“Sometimes you have to do things for yourself; that’s who I am working for: myself and my future family.”
She talked about college, a career she enjoys, and one day creating the same kind of opportunities for her own children. Her plan starts now.
“I am going to start strong, so I can finish strong.”
Sherman, a rising freshman at Trinity Episcopal, spoke about the aunt and great-grandmother who have supported him, but also about doing this for himself.
“I do it for myself and my future, so one day I can be something bigger than I have ever imagined.”
And another student reflected on lessons he has already learned about failure, discipline, and asking for help.
“I still had failures. I still made mistakes, but those failures helped shape me into the person I am today.”
His conclusion?
“Greatness isn’t something you wish for. It’s something you earn.”
Different students. Different stories. Different definitions of what success might look like.
But throughout their presentations, a common understanding emerged: there will be challenges ahead, and they each have a role to play in how they respond.
Then, the Microphone Changed Hands.
After our freshmen told the community what they were committing to, older UP RVA students and alumni had the opportunity to respond.
Paris reflected on self-advocacy and something she wished she had understood sooner:
“Asking for help doesn’t make you weak, no matter how big or small the situation is.”
Aaleya spoke about resilience, confidence, and staying true to yourself as you enter a new school:
“Be open to trying new things, meeting new people, and stepping outside of your comfort zone, but never lose sight of your values, your personality, or where you came from.”
One by one, each student then received an UP RVA pin.
The pin isn’t a reward for what they’ve already accomplished. It’s a reminder of the commitment they’re making—and the community making one in return.
This Is Your Community.
To close the morning, the Class of 2030 locked arms and took the UP RVA Freshmen Oath together.
Then we asked them to look around.
Staff stood. Board members stood. Representatives from our partner schools stood. Alumni stood. Families, donors, volunteers, and friends stood.
Nearly everyone in the room was on their feet.
Four weeks earlier, these eight students arrived at Summer Institute preparing for high school.
Now they leave knowing who they’re doing it for, beginning to understand why, and surrounded by a community ready to walk alongside them for whatever comes next.
