For Dajuantay Wynters, August 16, 2022 was a big day, and one he will likely never forget.
Of course, there had been other big days in his life, such as the day he was awarded the 2022 Richard and Cheryl Olmstead Scholarship from the Cal-Nev-Ha Children’s Fund and the day he got accepted to his dream college.
However, August 16th was significant to Dajuantay because that was the day he packed up his belongings and with his mother, sister and grandmother, traveled from California to St. Louis, Missouri to fulfill his life-long dream of attending Washington University in St. Louis.
In Dajuantay’s words, “It all still feels like a dream to me! I cannot wait to spend the next four years of my life in St. Louis!”
Dajuantay, who is the first in his family to attend college, plans to study Political Science and is considering a double major in history.
Dajuantay shared with us that his move to St. Louis and the first few weeks at “WashU” were busy, and he found it quite an adjustment being so far from home; however, he is enjoying his time so far in St. Louis (with the exception of the stifling heat!). “It is a lot of work, but I am so grateful to have the privilege to learn at a great University,” said Dajuantay.
Just three weeks into his first semester at WashU, Dajuantay has already been appointed to serve as a Senator as a part of the Student Union. More than 25 students applied for just three coveted seats! “I am so excited to continue my passion for service and advocacy while in this position,” Dajuantay remarked.
Dajuantay was also selected to be a First Year Intern on the Black Anthology Executive Board. According to the University, “Now in its 32nd year, Black Anthology is a show that is written, choreographed, directed, and produced entirely by WashU undergraduates. Each year the Executive Board, cast and crew aim to create a show that examines the nuanced black experience in America, from both the past and present.”
Additionally, Dajuantay was hired at the learning center as a Desk Assistant. In his words he is, “ . . . happy to have a relaxed job that will allow me to get homework done while working!”
Dajuantay stated, “I am living the life that younger me dreamt of! I feel like the hardest part of my life is finally over and I can finally live a life that I deserve. So grateful that God has gotten me here! Every day I am just extremely emotional because I never would have imagined I would make it this far, but I did!”
Congratulations Dajuantay on your accomplishments thus far. We at the CNH Children’s Fund look forward to learning about your future endeavors at WashU!