Congratulations, Kymera Mitchell! The 18-year-old student has received acceptance letters from 19 colleges and universities. She has also received nine full-ride scholarships — a testimony that her hard work has paid off.
Mitchell graduated from Alcott College Prep in Chicago in May, where she maintained a 4.0 GPA.
“I feel accomplished,” she told CBS News about her high school graduation. “I feel stress-free.”
Chicago student who persevered with disabilities, earns entry to 18 colleges https://t.co/DJscyU1s7T pic.twitter.com/iZHTqyrirL
— CBS Chicago (@cbschicago) June 6, 2023
After graduating with honors, the student received acceptance letters from colleges, including DePaul, Loyola, Howard and Hampton universities. Kymera received over $500,000 in scholarships and financial aid.
“Every year, she was on the honor roll. And with each year, she just got better with,” Kalaveeta Mitchell, her mother, told ABC 7 Chicago.
The 18-year-old was also successful when it came to her extracurricular activities. Kymera competed in floor hockey and track-and-field.
“The medals kept building, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ One year I started counting, and I was like, there are 30-something medals here,” her mother said.
Kymera plans on studying graphic design in college. She will announce her final college pick during a Saturday celebration with friends and family. The student, who was diagnosed with autism as a child, shared some words of advice to other students with disabilities.
“If someone or a group of people try to stop you, don’t let them do that because you are way better than that,” Kymera told ABC 7.
She said pursuing one’s dreams is essential and that students with disabilities shouldn’t be discouraged by others, especially by someone who isn’t disabled.
“I wouldn’t let anyone who doesn’t have a disability try and stop me from what I’m doing,” she told CBS News. “To live your hopes and dreams as much as you can,” Kymera added. “Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do this.”