When Asare Charles first received the news, he could hardly believe it. Just hours earlier, he had completed his final interview for the Posse Foundation Scholarship, and the anxiety of the process still lingered. The interviews had been intense, stretching him in ways he hadn’t expected. So when the response came so quickly, the shock was overwhelming—but it was the good kind. The nervousness that had weighed on him all day dissolved into relief and excitement. For Asare and his family, it meant that months of uncertainty could finally give way to anticipation for what was ahead.
The scholarship holds deep meaning for his family. His mother, a first-generation college student, has always valued education as both an opportunity and a responsibility. Continuing that legacy is something Asare carries with pride. The idea that he would not only attend college but do so with the support of such a transformative program brought immense joy to their household. It felt like security, like affirmation, and like the next chapter of a story his family had worked hard to write.
Asare will attend Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. Having lived in Houston his entire life, the prospect of moving to a new environment—with a different climate, culture, and pace—fills him with excitement. He looks forward to experiencing a change of scenery and embracing the unfamiliar, something that once would have intimidated him.
Applying to the Posse Program was itself an act of stepping beyond his comfort zone. At first, Asare hesitated. He questioned whether he truly fit the image of the type of student they were seeking. But after his first interview, he found himself pleasantly surprised. The environment felt welcoming and open, and he met other students who, like him, were more introverted than expected. The process was stressful, but it became a period of self-discovery. Through each round of interviews and group activities, he grew more confident in defining his character and more comfortable in how he communicated and interacted with others. What began as self-doubt gradually transformed into self-assurance.
At Carleton, Asare plans to enter as an undecided major, though sociology and economics currently draw his interest. He has long been curious about how the world works—about the social forces and economic systems that shape societies and influence daily life. He hopes to gain a deeper, scientific understanding of the principles that have led humanity to its current state and to explore how those systems might be improved. For him, studying these subjects is not simply about theory; it is about discovering where he can make himself useful in a complex and evolving world.
Growth has been a consistent theme throughout his high school years. Asare admits that he began high school with a mindset rooted in pessimism and reluctance. Challenging himself did not come naturally. That began to change after his first orchestra concert at Kerr High School. Watching the varsity musicians perform with skill and passion gave him a glimpse of who he might one day become. Inspired, he decided to commit himself fully—to practice harder, to persist, and to see how far effort alone could take him. Orchestra became more than a class; it became a lesson in discipline and resilience. The persistence he developed there carried over into his academics and personal life, reinforced by the steady encouragement of friends, teachers, and family.
The support of mentors played a pivotal role in his journey. His English teacher, Ms. Harrison, spent countless hours reviewing and refining his essays, helping him sharpen not only his writing but also his ability to communicate his ideas clearly and authentically. His college counselor, Ms. Tully, nominated him for the program and guided him through every stage of the process with insight and encouragement. Their belief in him strengthened his own.
Kerr High School provided fertile ground for his development. Its emphasis on freedom and responsibility challenged him to manage his time wisely and take ownership of his education. The fast-paced environment demanded strong work ethic and adaptability. Meanwhile, the orchestra program offered a community where he both received guidance and learned to uplift others. It was within these walls that he discovered the value of persistence and the rewards of stepping beyond self-imposed limits.
Looking back on the Posse application process, Asare offers simple but powerful advice: be yourself. While it may sound cliché, he believes authenticity made the greatest difference in his interviews and essays. The program matches students with institutions based largely on fit, and conveying genuine passions and personality is invaluable. Pretending to be someone else only clouds that connection.
As he prepares to leave Houston for Minnesota, Asare feels ready for the next challenge. He looks forward to questioning his beliefs, expanding his academic horizons, and adapting to a new climate—both literally and figuratively. The journey that once filled him with uncertainty now fills him with anticipation. The shock of that acceptance call has given way to something steadier: confidence in his growth, gratitude for those who supported him, and excitement for the person he is still becoming.