“My name is Immanuel Blake, and I am currently a sophomore attending Johns Hopkins University for a bachelor’s degree in economics. I am originally from Baltimore City and I began the Star P.R.E.P. program as a senior in high school.

In my first college semester, my grades were very poor due to external circumstances, my poor choice of major, and introductory STEM classes. I was extremely overwhelmed and lost by this new situation. 

I had a one on one call with Mrs. Katrina right before beginning my second semester. She reminded me to apply vision boarding, scheduling, budgeting and self-care. All of these tools I had previously learned, but sometimes we need reminding. I took the week before spring semester to step back and apply my training. I created a new vision board, master schedule, budget, and planned out smart goals for the spring.

My Star P.R.E.P. skills helped me to take control of my life. Smart goals and slight edging allowed me to quiet the noise and focus on specific objectives every week. In fall semester, I received a 13% on my first physics exam. 26/200 points. After applying a SMART goal to increase my studying in spring semester I earned 90% on my first physics exam. In Chem 1, I ended the class by barely obtaining a -C. In Chem 2, I applied a smart goal to study with friends and drill exams, and I earned a B in the class. I also used slight edging to eat better, and workout more frequently, improving my mental health and self-esteem.

When the pandemic stuck, I began to suffer from lost motivation, boredom, and potential depression. I thought back to our financial trainings about investing and generating passive streams of income. I opened a Robin Hood account and began trading. During this past year, I have seen nearly 100% returns on my total portfolio! Nothing is more empowering than making your money work for you!

I am also an aspiring music producer, and her lessons on networking helped me to build connections through the pandemic. Through the social media and email, I have collaborated with people in Russia, Sweden, and the U.K. on beats and songs. Locally, I have amassed 30+ placements with fellow producers and rappers in my city. Networking allowed me to increase my social capital, clientele, and technical production skills, without even leaving my bedroom.

Minorities find themselves in constant battles against generational curses such as poverty, debt, poor health, depression, and toxicity. Many times, theses curse have pervaded my mind and left me feeling powerless and lost. Mrs. Katrina (aka The Navigator) is in the business of obliterating these bonds in their entirety. Every one of her teachings has empowered me with a new tool to make sense of the world and direct myself towards a happier future. Mrs. Katrina is excellent at explaining the hard truths, while reminding us to remain hopeful because there is always a way for us to win. Everyone should have Star P.R.E.P. training in order to take control of their life and reach their greatest potential.”