Tiffany Bynum is the mother of Terrence Raycrow who graduated

Mr. Bynum, Terrence and Mrs. Bynum  on prom night, 2009.

from Dunbar High School in Washington, DC in June, 2009.  Currently, Terrence is completing his first year at Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina.  

 

Mrs. Bynum described what the most gratifying part of the college access process was for her.  "I think just him [Terrence] choosing his first choice college that he was interested in, that he was accepted there, and then just seeing him get more excited about going away to college ... seeing him excited about the whole process and enjoying getting ready for college. That was the most gratifying part because I could really see him wanting to move forward."

 

Her son's motivation 

Mrs. Bynum thinks Terrence's desire to go to college came from "his communication with different people, like participating with RFC was one of the greatest things that could've happened to him."  It's one thing to hear about going to college from your mom, but she said hearing about it from other people really got him excited. "Because at first he was not really interested in looking at schools, didn't really have any goals and was not very excited about it.  But once he saw that there were a lot of different schools in the [RFC]Saturday Academy, there were the books, there was info, there was discussion, and other students also felt the same, that they wanted to go to college - everyone had one common goal - that was the thing that got him motivated and excited about going."  She suggests that parents definitely try to get their students into a college prep program.

 

When Mrs. Bynum was asked to think back about the college application process with Terrence, she said a few words came to mind, but the one that sticks out the most is, 'support'. "From family members, mentors, counselors, and teachers- without that support from all parties, it would have been a lot more stressful than it could have been or it might not have happened," she said. "Some people don't go to college because they don't have that kind of support and that was something I thought was very important." She found meeting deadlines and making sure that her son made those deadlines for applications, completed essays for scholarships, and all of that was very stressful. But her support network helped her through.
 

"As a parent you definitely have to be involved in the junior year," Mrs. Bynum said.  "You should start as early in the junior year as possible in terms of starting the application process and SAT preparation, and it is important to find a coach to help you along in the process."
 
She thinks she waited too long and missed some crucial deadlines because she crammed everything into senior year.  She advises parents to start as early as possible, even in the sophomore year. "Begin by getting your children thinking about college, what they want to do, constantly communicating and definitely at the end of junior year, start those applications, research and visit schools, and get as much information as you can. That would be very helpful, remember to start early!"
 
"Reach for College! provided me with a book on Maryland schools which I had no clue that there were that many schools within the state. That was very helpful and all of the resources, such as the book, [RFC Program Associate] Ms. Scruggs, and Reach for College! materials. Parents need to find a personal connection with someone such as the counselor at the high school. My connections resulted in my son getting a last minute $1,500 scholarship from the United Black Fund, Inc.  And this came about through the high school counselor. Communication is key!"
 
In terms of what she wishes could have been different, she said, "I wish I had started a little earlier in the process, I would have gotten a lot more accomplished."

 

"Actually its unbelievable, once the financial aid was done, the enrollment process was pretty easy," she said.  "The most difficult part of it was keeping all of the records, all emails, and all communication between yourself and the prospective college or university. This is important because once we arrived at the school there were some issues with the financial aid, but fortunately I had my records with me and copies of emails, and within five to ten minutes, we were done. So make sure you keep records of all communication."

 

To support Terrence in his first year of college, Mrs. Bynum said, "Terrence is an easy person to deal with. It has been kind of easy for to me to let go. For it to be his first time living away from home for an extensive period, he's done really well. I have been giving him his space and not breathing down his neck. I have been asking him from time to time how his classes are going, asking how I can help him, just being that shoulder and being that support. I suggest parents just to be supportive and constantly communicate. That is the piece that I feel like I am doing to help this be a successful first and second semester. He has done great in his classes."  

 

Mrs. Bynum said the transition for her not having Terrence around "has been difficult, because as a mother I am always worrying, 'Is he making the right decisions?  Is he having too much fun- partying, etc?'  I am always worrying, but he is not giving me any problems. Thus far, I have not had any problems since he has been away at school. He is showing me that he knows how to balance having a good time and getting his work done. I am very proud of him. It was hard at first, but now I am comfortable and at ease with him being away."