AVONDALE — Joshua Kalapurakal, a junior at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, recently embarked on an exciting educational journey to Washington University in St. Louis through the STARS program. STARS, which stands for Small-Town and Rural Students College Network, is a prestigious initiative aimed at engaging students from rural areas in higher education. The program targets high-achieving students, offering them a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge about college and access valuable resources.
Joshua’s journey began with Ms. Lloyd, TJCA’s student affairs advisor, who informed him about the STARS program and encouraged him to apply. Despite initially facing rejection, Joshua’s persistence paid off when a spot unexpectedly became available, granting him access to the opportunity. After navigating a highly competitive application process and narrowly avoiding the waitlist, Joshua felt a deep sense of pride. “I felt proud when I realized I had been accepted into such a prestigious program,” he said.
Upon arriving at WashU’s campus, Joshua faced a range of emotions.
“I felt a bit nervous and excited,” he said.
However, this initial apprehension soon turned into an inspiring experience that left him in awe. The STARS program’s structure and organization helped Joshua acclimate quickly, allowing him to fully engage with daily activities. Each day, the students learned about the college admissions process and explored the beauty of St. Louis, Missouri, where WashU is located.
While new and fun social activities were planned daily, Joshua said, “None of them topped the St. Louis Gateway Arch.” He described how the climb to the top and the view from 630 feet in the air was something he will never forget.
Joshua offers advice to anyone considering the program: “Just go for it and apply since you have nothing to lose. “When you get there, make sure you have fun, create connections, and make sure the people there remember you in a good way.”