Morristown, N.J., February 26, 2024 – When Saint Elizabeth University Presidential Scholar Imani Blakely, ‘24, graduated from Bard High School Early College in 2022, she left with a high school diploma and an associates degree. Two years later, the 20-year-old is set to graduate from SEU with her B.S. in Psychology and will soon enter graduate school for her M.S. in Counseling Psychology. That’s a lot of degrees in a very short time period.

While at Bard High School, Blakey took advantage of its Early College program that enabled her to earn her associates degree while still in high school. Through 9th and 10th grade, Blakely took all her high school classes and began collegiate courses in the 11th grade, finishing her associates degree at the end of 12th grade.

“It was an incredibly challenging experience, but I always knew that I wanted to attend college and have a career instead of an everyday job. So, that definitely motivated me,” said Blakley, a Newark, and a first-generation college student. “I knew there was a world out there that I wanted to see.”

As an only child, Blakely feels a lot of pressure to succeed. She hopes her college and professional career will inspire younger generations and show that anyone can make a difference regardless of background. 

Progressing through her academic journey also gave Blakely a perspective on education and success, which has evolved significantly. 

”As a first-gen scholar in my college career, my dreams are now bigger than ever, but yet achievable. I am grateful to have this opportunity through the Saint Elizabeth University Presidential Scholarship. I am also grateful to my family and friends who played a huge part in my college career thus far, as well as the staff and my advisors at SEU, just guiding me on the right path and preparing me for career readiness,” shares Blakely, ‘24.

The Presidential Scholarship is a prestigious honor awarded to a limited number of residential freshman or transfer students who demonstrate the highest level of academic achievement.

With her passion for Psychology and high academic achievements, Blakely was inducted into Psi Chi, the honor society for psychology, which stands out as a gratifying accomplishment, affirming her commitment to her studies and future career. Ultimately, her dream is to pursue a career in behavior analysis, but not before completing the University’s combined degree program, where she will receive her B.A. in Psychology and  M.A. in Counseling Psychology specializing in Mental Health. Due to her resilience and motivation to “soar” Blakely is set to receive her master's by age 21. 

Blakely powers her possible by embodying the support she never had growing up. She finds balance by engaging in proactive activities, such as spending time with friends and participating in on-campus events like Trap Yoga and Trap Zumba.

For other first-gen students aspiring to break the mold, Blakely advocates for pursuing one's passions and staying consistent. Her advice emphasizes the importance of ensuring personal happiness and steadily pursuing one's professional goals. Blakely's inspiring journey as a first-generation scholar serves as motivation for many individuals in similar situations. Her impact at SEU and her aspirations for the future speak about the power of education and its potential to invoke change within communities.