TCS Graduate Janiah Speaks to Students About College
2017 TCS graduate Janiah Tillery visited the school today, having come home from college for Thanksgiving break. Janiah is in her 3rd year at Roanoke College, where she studies history and East Asian studies on a full-ride scholarship. Mr. Tom used Janiah’s visit as an opportunity to ask her questions about her college experience in front of the class. The students learned that Janiah originally entered college as a biology major with the goal of becoming a doctor, but she decided she would enjoy history more.
Janiah has been learning Traditional Mandarin as part of her East Asian studies courses, and will be expanding her language skills this spring during an immersive study abroad semester in Taiwan. Janiah applied for the opportunity a year in advance with the study abroad program ISEP, International Student Exchange Programs. In addition to the scholarship she receives from Roanoke, Janiah applied for and won a scholarship with the Gilman International Scholarship program. She hopes that her language skills will improve a lot over the semester, because after college she plans to teach English in East Asian countries before going on to graduate school.
Janiah said that her biggest advice to current TCS students is to pay attention and don’t take your education lightly. In high school she knew that in her financial situation, the only way she could afford college without going into a lot of debt was to work hard, get good grades, and win scholarships. She did however also say that if she could tell herself from five years ago one thing, it would be to not stress too much. Thank you Janiah for coming and speaking to the current TCS students. Hearing stories of successful alumni is always valuable. We look forward to hearing about your semester in Taiwan!