Alumni Spotlight: Jelton’s Journey
We checked in with Jelton, a 2024 graduate of our high school program, to see how his second year of college was going. He is studying Engineering Physics at Saint John’s University in Minnesota, with plans to become a mechanical engineer.
College life has been a mix of academics, activities, and new experiences. Jelton’s favorite class so far has been Intro to Engineering, where he and his team built small windmills and competed to generate the most power, finishing in second place. He’s looking forward to his upcoming CAD Prototyping class. Beyond the classroom, Jelton has joined the physics rocket club, participated in outdoor leadership trips, and is part of the Honors Scholar Program. He also works as a Peer Academic Coach, helping fellow students strengthen their study strategies and academic skills.
Reflecting on his time at Grace Place, Jelton says the support he received helped prepare him for college in many ways. From essay help and ACT/SAT prep to mentorship and access to scholarships, the guidance and encouragement he received taught him the importance of stepping outside his comfort zone, managing his time effectively, and actively seeking opportunities.
Jelton also emphasizes the impact of the entire Grace Place community: “From the CEO to the custodians, everyone had their fair share in my success in high school and my drive to succeed in college.”
Looking ahead, Jelton hopes to continue on to graduate school in mechanical engineering. We look forward to watching his journey continue and can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next.
