Northern Arizona University
BlavinScholars.com: What degree(s) are you receiving this spring?
Frankie: In the spring, I will be graduating with a BA degree in Elementary Education.
BlavinScholars.com: What awards or honors have you received?
Frankie: Since my start time here at NAU, I have been honored with many awards. Through my time in Residence Hall Association and NRHH, I have been awarded a Bronze Pin, an induction into LAS-I (a lifetime membership club for RHA), several “Of the Month” awards on the campus, region, and national level. For example, back in 2014, I was named “Student of the Month” on the national level of universities. I have also received the honor of serving as the 2015 Homecoming King for Northern Arizona University. As I write this, I am currently nominated for a Gold Axe Award, Distinguished Senior Award, and the Who’s Who Award.
BlavinScholars.com: What is your major and what inspired you to pursue that particular major?
Frankie: My major right now is Elementary Education. When I first came to NAU, education is not something I wanted to pursue at all. I wanted to proceed forward with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant management. However, after taking an introduction to education class for an elective, I soon learned the power of education and the role I wanted to play in our education system.
BlavinScholars.com: What’s your short-term goal for after graduation?
Frankie: After graduation, I will be working at Harvard University as a resident advisor. So completing that internship is something that I am looking forward to. I am currently in the graduate school process to pursue a degree in Counseling-Student Affairs here at NAU. In a few weeks, I should know of my status, so graduate school will hopefully be in that future as well!
BlavinScholars.com: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Frankie: In five years I first and foremost see myself married. I am on a super strict timeline and I am hoping to be married by the time I am 25. I also hope to be working for a university in their student affairs department. I also hope to see myself looking cute as ever by the time I turn 27!
BlavinScholars.com: How have you grown as a person since first entering college?
Frankie: When I came to university, I was a brat! I was not at all ready for the freedom I would have. After being under a verbally abusive household, I never thought I would amount to anything. I started skipping classes and it really hurt my GPA. Trying to prove my mother wrong, I turned my life around, got more involved in campus, and really went from a terrible GPA to having a really successful GPA. I am more mature, independent, and very well spoken.
BlavinScholars.com: What excites you most about your future?
Frankie: I am most excited to be on my own and be able to live an adult life. Sure, I am not ready to pay off loans or pay the many bills I will have, but I am looking forward to being able to purchase my own house, have my own family, and provide for them the best life I can. I want to be different than my mother and I know that I will take what I have learned to provide them with a safe and loving life.
BlavinScholars.com: What advice about higher education and life, in general, would you give to high school kids in the foster care system?
Frankie: I would give the same advice to anyone regardless if they are in foster care or not. Do not take your freedom for granted. Skipping classes and partying may seem fun, but it will affect your education. Skipping classes will bring your grades down and soon enough you could risk being kicked out of university. Accept your freedom, but do not take advantage of it.
BlavinScholars.com: What advice would you offer to incoming Blavin Scholars?
Frankie: I would advise all the incoming Blavin Scholars to get to know four people. Amber Martin, a wonderful Blavin Intern who goes out of her way to give the best advice out there. Cindy Payne, the best director of the Blavin Scholars program that NAU has ever seen. She cares so much for all Blavins and serves as a mother-figure to all. And of course, get to know Paul and Amy Blavin. They love interacting with the Blavin Scholars as much as they can and they are phenomenal people. They also have a cute dog named Stella! Get to know her too!
BlavinScholars.com: What’s your biggest takeaway from your experience as a Blavin Scholar?
Frankie: My biggest takeaway is that I am not the person my mom told me I would be. I am not a worthless person, but rather someone who can contribute so much to this world. I am fine, fierce, and fabulous, and that is something this program has taught me as I go into my last semester here at NAU.