Where Are They Now: Jalen Builds His Future with Focus and Support

For Jalen, finding the right school wasn't just about academics. It was about finding a place where he could grow, belong, and truly focus. His journey began at Lithonia Adventist Academy and eventually led him to Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy, where he graduated in 2018. Private school quickly proved to be a much better fit for him than the brief period he spent in public school. The structure, the consistency, and the close-knit environment helped him thrive in ways that felt natural and encouraging.

His parents' decision to send him to private school shaped the rest of his educational path.

At Greater Atlanta, Jalen didn't just attend school. He immersed himself in it. He joined 4H, the STEM Club, and the United Student Movement, the school's student government organization. He found leadership opportunities by serving as the manager for both the varsity and junior varsity basketball teams. These experiences gave him confidence, community, and early glimpses of the teamwork and problem-solving skills that would become valuable later in his life.

He also met teachers who left lasting marks on his learning. Mr. Campbell, who taught all levels of math, helped him believe in his abilities. Ms. Dorbor challenged him in English and strengthened his communication skills. Ms. Wales, who taught world history and government, helped broaden his perspective. Each teacher played a different role, but together they made school a place where he felt supported and motivated.

And through it all, something important was happening in the background. Jalen wasn't carrying the weight of wondering how his tuition would be paid. His Arete scholarship gave him the freedom to learn without the pressure of financial strain. "It's a lot easier to focus on the stresses of school when you're not worried about the stresses of paying tuition," he says. He didn't always know the details at the time, but now he understands the difference it made. "Since I didn't have to worry as much about financial burdens, I was able to focus more on schooling."

That focus paid off. Jalen graduated as the salutatorian of his class, something he takes pride in. He credits both the environment of Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy and the financial support of the Arete scholarship for giving him the space to succeed academically.

After high school, he continued his educational journey at Kennesaw State University, where he studied industrial engineering. College helped him refine his interests, gain new skills, and explore future career possibilities. Like many young adults, he is still discovering exactly what he wants to do long term, and he approaches that uncertainty with optimism. "I still don't know exactly what I want to be when I grow up," he says with a laugh, "but I'm still learning."

While at Kennesaw State, Jalen completed internships with companies across different industries, including Olin Transportation Group and Build 66. These experiences helped him connect his engineering studies to real-world applications and ultimately guided him toward the opportunity he has today.

After graduating from college, Jalen moved to Houston, where he has lived for the past three years. He works full-time as a specialist supporting aviation sales, serving as an expediter for a large organization. It's a role that allows him to use the analytical and organizational skills he developed throughout his education.

Now that he is older, Jalen sees even more clearly how significant the financial support from Arete was for his family. "I definitely see the benefits of having the high tuition subsidized," he says. The scholarship eased the pressure on his parents and allowed him to pursue a high-quality education without the stress of financial uncertainty. It gave his family stability and gave him opportunity.

To the donors who make that kind of impact possible, he offers genuine gratitude. "Thank you to those who contribute to the fund. It allows people the opportunity to improve their lives in various ways without the burdens of financial overhead. It also gives parents peace of mind to provide their children better education."

And as someone who has walked the full journey from student to scholar to young professional, he has compassionate advice for current Arete Scholars. "Make the most of every opportunity and recognize that you have a long road ahead, but it's not impossible to accomplish any of the goals you have set for yourself," he says. He also encourages students to both seek help and offer it. "Reach out to those who can help you, and reach back to those who might be impacted by your ability to help as well."

Jalen's story is a powerful reminder of what access can unlock. With the right school, the right support, and the right encouragement, a student can focus on growing instead of worrying, dreaming instead of doubting, and preparing instead of stressing. His success is not only his own accomplishment but also a reflection of what happens when a community invests in a child's education.

For Jalen, private school was the place where he could become his best self, and Arete was the support that made that possible.