From a single classroom visit her freshman year to a life changing decision on Match Day, one Academic Magnet senior’s path to Duke University was shaped by faith, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. Selected this fall through the highly competitive QuestBridge College Match program, she earned a full scholarship to Duke, turning years of quiet determination and personal growth into a moment that still feels unreal. Selena Owens will attend Duke University next fall as a QuestBridge Scholar. To learn more about her journey, I took it upon myself to ask her a few questions about her experience and what led her to this achievement.

What made you decide to apply to QuestBridge in the first place?

• I remember learning about it in my first year at Magnet from a visiting college mentor. He was a QuestBridge scholar himself and strongly urged us to apply when the time came. So, I put a big mental pin in it, reminding myself to apply as soon as possible. Some of my senior friends told me to apply to the pre-college program for juniors before ultimately applying for my senior year. I did not get accepted into that program, which made me even more surprised when I was selected for the college match this year.

When did Duke become a school you could really picture yourself at?

• I think it took me really visiting the campus in my sophomore year to see myself there truly. I’d always known/heard about Duke, but my knowledge extended as far as a Safari search did. My father and older sisters had gone to Wofford, so it made a lot of sense for me to follow in their footsteps as well. However, upon visiting the campus, I felt what I can only describe as oddly comfortable there. Of course, numerous other factors, such as being able to envision myself on campus and loving their rigorous courses, also mattered greatly. However, I ultimately found that no matter where I looked or how far I strayed, there was no place like Duke.

What part of the QuestBridge application challenged you the most?

• I had a challenging time expressing my struggles at first while still showing my personal growth throughout it all. I knew QuestBridge and Duke wanted to know my story, but I didn’t want it to feel piteous in any regard. I’m proud of who I am, where I come from, and the circumstances in which I have been raised. By embracing these facts, I was able to convey the core of who I am to them in a manner that I am proud of.

Was there something in your application or essays that you felt showed who you are?

• In both my application for the QuestBridge College Match and my supplemental essays for Duke, I passionately expressed my interest in the majors I plan to pursue, Religion and Spanish. I didn’t want to overly elaborate on every single achievement earned/ position that I’ve held and derail attention away from who I am. So, I concentrated my energy into showing them all that I embody and love.

Who supported you the most through the process?

• My mother and sisters were the most supportive of me through this entire process. Both of my sisters have been the very best peer reviewers of every single one of my essays and have been incredible cheerleaders through it all. My father passed away right before the start of my 11th-grade year, so I feel all the more appreciative of all the hats that my amazing mother wears. Even in his physical absence, I felt carried by the love I know my dad sent down from Heaven.

What was going through your mind on Match Day?

• My application status was updated around 9 am that morning, but I refused to look at anything unless my mom was beside me. So, I went the whole school day just itching to check it (or at least let someone else). It didn’t help that it was the first day back to school after fall break, making me sluggish on top of my jittery nerves. Needless to say, I handed my phone to my mom as we were leaving the school parking lot (I was too scared to look), and she just screamed. I mean, like scream scream, but she had FAILED to yell out the results in her excitement. So I, screaming as well, begged her to tell me which school I matched with. When she said “Duke” while showing me the phone, I literally went ballistic, I mean ballistic ballistic. Jumping, hooting, hollering, and thrashing about in the passenger seat. In retrospect, I probably looked deranged to passing cars, but I literally could not believe it (I still can’t) and had to express my joy in the moment!

What was the first thing you did after finding out you matched with Duke?

• I called all my close friends and family to tell them the news! My birthday was the day before, so most were expecting me to talk about that, which added a great element of surprise, teehee.

What are you most excited about when you think about starting at Duke?

• I love yapping with people, so I definitely cannot wait to meet my new classmates! That, and to dive into college while (hopefully) becoming besties with my roommate!

What’s one thing you wish more students understood about QuestBridge?

• I wish more students understood what QuestBridge truly represents. This opportunity has been the biggest blessing to my family and me, as well as countless other families across the country. The fact that I don’t have to stress out my mother or myself over the cost of my college experience is something I am endlessly grateful for, as well as all of the friends that I’ve made among the other outstanding applicants! Now, I would be lying if some of the… questionable comments I’ve heard about my acceptance didn’t bother me. But if I can take away anything from this gift, it’s that when God has something set aside for you, no one can take it away.

What advice would you give younger students who hope to follow a similar path?

• For students who are unsure about what their futures look like or how things will fall into place, relax! Move in confidence, even when roadblocks come your way. Trust that what is meant for you will come your way, and I promise you everything will turn out just fine :)!