December 12, 2024 - As an eighth grader, Antoinette Brown had no intention of applying to Memorial Early College High School, but as she learned more about the school and the opportunities it provides, she quickly made the decision to apply and attend.
Now a senior at MECHS, Brown recalls the tour that changed her perspective. It included team building exercises which introduced her to the fun challenges MECHS provides, while reassuring her of the tight-knit atmosphere among the student body.
“We all had to get into one big room and work on a puzzle building a tower filled with marshmallows and pretzels. It was a fun competition that introduced us to the teamwork mindset we would need for MECHS.”
In addition to being reassured of the friendly atmosphere at MECHS, Brown realized that the school provided more important opportunities including completing an associates degree from Northeast Lakeview College while in high school.
Currently ranked eighth in her class, Brown will be the first person in her family to attend college. She learned at a young age to take advantage of opportunities that supported her future.
“My entire family immigrated to the United States from Vietnam and Mexico,” explains Brown. “Seeing how hard everyone worked to provide for me and my siblings and the sacrifices they have made so we could have opportunities for success has made me the person I am today. ”
During her time at MECHS, Brown has been selected to participate on two student panels for Alamo Colleges, one of which had an audience of more than 2,000 people. The panel explored the impact of early college high schools and the postsecondary opportunities they provide to underrepresented students.
Over the past four years Brown has been involved in numerous clubs including National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, bowling, robotics, and a running club. She also finds the time to volunteer in the community and works a part time job to help provide for her family.
Along with providing opportunities to be active, MECHS ensures that every student has the tools and support needed to pursue academic and career goals with the help of an academic career adviser.
“The teachers and academic career adviser at MECHS are very supportive in whatever a student chooses to pursue,” says Brown. “They are constantly providing resources to set students up for success.”
Through that guidance, Brown has been accepted into 10 universities across Texas and Louisiana. Her career goal is to become a labor and delivery nurse.
Thank you Antoinette Brown for sharing how MECHS is supporting your Path to Success!
Photo Descriptions
- Memorial Early College High School senior Antoinette Brown with her grandmother.
- Memorial Early College High School senior Antoinette Brown.
- Memorial Early College High School senior Antoinette Brown.