Nationwide — Curtis Lawrence III, an African American pupil who began faculty at 16 as Florida A&M College’s youngest pupil, is ready to graduate at 20 with a biology diploma and a minor in liberal arts. He selected FAMU over a number of Ivy League faculties for its welcoming group.Lawrence, from Washington, D.C., made historical past in 2021 when he entered FAMU as the youngest student in his class at simply 16 years previous. He had already completed highschool early and earned greater than $1.6 million in scholarships, with presents from over a dozen universities — together with Harvard and Yale.
Regardless of the elite choices, he selected Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College, an HBCU in Tallahassee, Florida, for its welcoming tradition.
“What actually made me wish to come to FAMU was that, throughout my go to, I actually felt comfy and at residence,” Lawrence instructed FAMU News. “It was actually necessary for me with being so younger, going someplace the place I felt like I would slot in.”
The transition wasn’t simple. He began out shy and uncertain, however the college’s close-knit group helped him regulate. Over time, he joined in campus traditions and related with different college students. From Greek life occasions to skilled networking in fits, he embraced the total HBCU expertise.
Now, as he prepares to attend Villanova College for additional research, Curtis goals to turn out to be a professor and encourage future college students. He credit FAMU for pushing him past his consolation zone and shaping who he’s as we speak.
“FAMU actually introduced out the perfect in me. I’m leaving right here as a a lot completely different particular person,” he stated. “It pushed me previous my consolation zone, and I gained so many new experiences. I’m glad I selected to return right here; it’s actually a one-of-a-kind expertise.”
