Reymie Keenan Trailblazer Fellowship Learning Log

My past year has been such a whirlwind of hard work and well-earned victories. I would attribute many of these successes to my busy 2025 summer, when I took 3 classes for a total of 11 credits online at Minneapolis College. Although it was only a small fraction of the 84 total credits I earned throughout my high school career, I would not have been able to graduate from college with my Associate of Applied Science in graphic design at only 17 without them, and without the Ann Bancroft Foundation, I wouldn't have been able to take the classes.

In my first two weeks of class, I was at an engineering sleepaway camp in Michigan. After getting back from my classes and activities of the day, I would open my computer and get to work reading textbooks and taking notes. (In a notebook I received from an Ann Bancroft Foundation event, in fact) I would bring my notebook around everywhere in case I had the chance to draw diagrams of bacteria for my biology class or draft responses to readings for psychology.

I am no stranger to having a busy schedule, and I have always been one to search for ways to challenge myself, but that summer taught me a lot about myself. I spent my time working towards a singular goal, my degree, which requires a bucketload of discipline that I didn't always have. I couldn't distract myself with a bunch of small and easy goals anymore; I had to learn to put my head down and work towards what I want. My Ann Bancroft Fellowship Grant is what let me spend my time being challenged instead of distracting myself by searching for a challenge.

This mindset continued into the school year and through college application season. Despite a couple of rejections, I was able to get into a school very well suited to me to pursue civil engineering. I also used this newfound determination during the wrestling season, leading me to my second state title. And through the spring, when I placed 10th in the state for discus.

The importance of having a goal to strive for is something I learned thanks to my fellowship. Not only does it help you achieve your dreams, but it gives you confidence in yourself. Knowing how much hard work I put in for my own goals makes me feel unstoppable. I am ready to be a trailblazer in this world now and fight for my dreams and the dreams of others.