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Genesis Rodriguez-Hernandez, a 2025 graduate of Cedar Shoals High School, arrived at Duke University this autumn, backed by a full-ride scholarship. She was not anticipating a fully financed college education, yet the encouragement from her support network and her own engagement motivated Rodriguez-Hernandez to take a chance and apply for the scholarship.

As a first-year student, she became involved with Georgia Possible, an initiative established by the University of Georgia in collaboration with the Clarke County School District, aimed at assisting high school students in achieving academic success. This program, which is run by educators at the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, a component of UGA Public Service and Outreach, seeks to highlight the array of educational and career opportunities accessible beyond secondary education.

“Participating in this program has greatly benefited me, as I became more familiar with the local education system, the resources available in my community, and possible career paths,” shared Rodriguez-Hernandez.

Rodriguez-Hernandez will be the first in her family to seek a four-year college degree. By engaging with Georgia Possible, the program aided her and her family in comprehending and preparing for the college application process. In fact, she even brought one of her younger siblings with her during her college visits.

“I hoped that having him alongside me would pique his interest in pursuing a postsecondary education as well,” Rodriguez-Hernandez remarked.

Founded in 2018 with support from the UGA Office of the President, Georgia Possible has proven to be an essential resource for students and their families alike. Beyond its focus on postsecondary education opportunities, the program also offers customized leadership development experiences and mentoring. This initiative introduces youth to various career trajectories and equips them with the tools necessary to pursue whatever comes next.

Thanks to the Bobbi Meeler Sahm Service and Outreach Award, Georgia Possible will take the current cohort to the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island to discover marine education and potential career pathways.

The comprehensive support from Georgia Possible motivated Rodriguez-Hernandez to apply for a prestigious scholarship that required applicants to craft an essay, investigate colleges, obtain teacher recommendations, and undergo multiple evaluation rounds.

“Throughout her time in Georgia Possible, Genesis seized every chance to develop as a leader. She transitioned from quietly guiding to confidently expressing her views and interacting with peers during activities that broadened her leadership abilities and insights. Her journey encapsulates the essence of this program — cultivating the confidence, curiosity, and character to thrive with dignity and intention beyond high school,” stated Jason Estep, public service associate in the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development.

Being part of Georgia Possible revealed to her that she could adapt more than she initially believed.

“I used to think I could only remain within my comfort zone, as that was where I excelled,” she reflected. “However, through Georgia Possible, I discovered that the more I ventured out, the more opportunities unfolded before me. Ultimately, taking a risk is far better than doing nothing at all.”

Indeed, this newfound outlook may have given her an edge during her application process for the QuestBridge scholarship.

“When I applied for the QuestBridge scholarship, they allowed applicants to submit a video to the admissions team to learn more about us beyond our academic records. I almost submitted my application without it, as I was concerned about making a mistake; however, after some thought, I chose to go for it anyway,” she commented.

Currently, Rodriguez-Hernandez is pursuing a pre-med track at Duke and contemplating adding a minor in music with aspirations of playing viola in their symphony.

“I aspire to become a pediatric dermatologist so I can assist others in the way I needed support while growing up.”

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