“It Really Does Take a Village”: Graduate KaNora Graham Reflects on Her Student U Journey

Every Student U student has a unique story. Some discover a new passion, some find lifelong friendships, and others gain the confidence to pursue goals they once thought were out of reach. For recent high school graduate KaNora Graham, Student U was more than just an after-school or summer program. It became a community that encouraged her and walked alongside her throughout middle and high school. 

KaNora recently graduated from Riverside High School and earned her associate’s degree from Durham Technical Community College while still in high school. This fall, she will attend Winston-Salem State University on a full-ride scholarship, where she plans to study psychology. As she prepares for this exciting next chapter, she has taken time to reflect on the experiences and people that have shaped her journey.

Looking Back

When KaNora first joined Student U as a sixth grader, she was not exactly thrilled about spending part of her summer in school. 

“I remember I used to not like getting up in the morning,” she laughed. “I didn’t like the commitment. I didn’t like how, you know, it was summer, and I was in school.”

Like many middle school students, Summer Academy felt like a sacrifice at first. Looking back now, however, KaNora sees those early mornings differently. As she continued coming back each year, she built friendships that changed her perspective and discovered a community where students from different schools and backgrounds could come together.

“I made some really cool friends,” she said. “Different kids, different areas, but you guys are still one community.”

The Power of Community

The sense of community stayed with her long after Summer Academy ended. Throughout high school, KaNora said the teachers and mentors at Student U were a constant source of encouragement and accountability. 

“Having someone on my side that will keep me in check when I want to fall behind, I think that’s actually helped me,” she shared.

She credits that support system with helping her succeed both academically and personally. It also influenced her decision to study psychology. 

“It really takes a community and a support team,” she said. “I felt like I definitely had that, and that’s why I was able to thrive so well.”

Beyond academics, Student U gave KaNora something just as important: a place where she always felt supported. 

“Personally, I just felt like it made me feel like I had a secure spot, and that I was never alone.”

When asked who had supported her most throughout school, KaNora found it hard to choose one person. Instead, she chose to reflect on the teachers, mentors, friends, family, and staff members who encouraged her in different ways. Some challenged her to stay focused on schoolwork, while others gave her grace when she needed it. 

“I can’t say one person, because I think everybody helped me in different ways,” she explained. “Student U as a community, as one team… all the teachers, all my friends, and all the mentors, they definitely supported me.”

Preparing for the Future

One accomplishment KaNora is especially proud of is earning her associate degree while still in high school. Balancing college coursework alongside her high school classes was not easy. 

“It was really, really hard to do college work in school,” she said. “It was just kind of overwhelming, and I definitely had doubts.”

KaNora also shared that Student U introduced her to resources such as North Carolina’s Career & College Promise (CCP) program, which allows eligible high school students to earn college credit while still in high school. Because of those opportunities, she will enter Winston-Salem State with only two years remaining before earning her bachelor’s degree. 

As she looks forward to college, KaNora is excited for the opportunity to become more independent while studying a topic she is passionate about. 

“I’m really excited to actually develop a life on my own, and gain that independence for myself,” she said.

Her decision to study psychology comes from a desire to understand mental health and help others navigate their own experiences. 

“Mental health has always been really important to me,” she explained. “Psychology… was like a guidance, and like a map to guide my feelings and others. And this is something I’m really, really passionate about.”

Advice for Future Students

Before finishing the conversation, KaNora offered a piece of advice for younger Student U students. She encouraged them to take advantage of every opportunity available to them and never be afraid to ask for help. 

“I was too scared to ask for help growing up, because I felt ashamed, and I felt like I should already know everything,” she admitted. “But the teachers and mentors are here for you, for your success.”

She hopes students recognize just how valuable those resources can be.

“Student U will definitely get you ahead in life,” she said. “Most people really don’t have the resources. You should take that as a step toward building your future. You’re not in this journey alone. It really does take a village, and there’s definitely a village for you.”

Looking Ahead

Growth happens over time. It is shaped by the people who encourage us, challenge us, and remind us that we are capable of more than we imagine. As she begins her journey at Winston-Salem State University, we are excited to continue supporting KaNora and see where her passion for helping others takes her next. 

To learn more about the incredible achievements of Student U’s class of 2026, check out our Decision Day Blog, which features KaNora as her class’s speaker.