Madison Gaines (George Washington High School, Philadelphia) will study Pre-Radiologic Science at Manor College.

Being an introvert is a struggle for any teenager. Madison Gaines felt like she couldn’t communicate with others. She wasn’t as expressive as some of her friends, and she didn’t have the self-confidence to keep moving forward. 

“School was just a hard time for me,” Gaines said. “I struggled because I always stayed to myself. I’d keep my feelings to myself instead of having someone help me.” 

The biggest struggle occurred when she’d speak in front of the class. She could feel the nervousness grow and she’d start to stutter. It wasn’t until her junior year at George Washington High School in Philadelphia that she began to conquer that fear. Gaines emphasized surrounding herself with positive people – friends and family who supported her every chance they could. 

“The biggest lesson I took from that experience was that there are people out there who want you to do better; the ones who are actually there for you,” Gaines said. “They’re the ones who are there to love you.” 

Gaines begins her college journey at Manor College in September, where she’ll study Pre-Radiologic Science. The first-generation college student is a self-described girly girl who you might find doing her classmates’ hair in the dorms. 

“My favorite part about doing hair is helping others feel pretty,” said Gaines, who began doing hair at a young age. “For me, to feel pretty and confident, my hair needs to be done. It helps boost someone’s confidence way more. To know I can help others makes me feel good.” 

While her path at Manor remains undetermined, Gaines hopes to get involved through clubs. Mainly, she hopes to meet new friends, even if she calls her shyness “a work in progress.” 

“I want people to know that I am shy, but I can be outgoing, loving and caring once I feel comfortable,” Gaines said. 

Gaines hopes to extend that welcoming feeling to others like she’s already experienced on her trips to campus. 

“I feel like Manor fit me because it’s not a big college, it was just right,” Gaines said. “The energy and the vibes, it was just right. When I walked into Manor College, I felt like I belonged there.”