• Ewing, N.J.
• Secondary Education/Citizenship with History Major
• Yearbook Editor (The Windhover)
• President, United Colors Organization
• Peer Mentor

For as long as she can remember, Tatiana Person has wanted to be a teacher. One of four children, Tatiana taught her younger brother how to spell and write his name. By middle school, she (and her Mom) knew that she wanted to go to college. “But we didn’t know how,” recalls Tatiana.

Finding Her Purpose

An answer came from a teacher who told her about a program that prepares financially limited youth to attend some of the most competitive high schools. Tatiana was accepted to the New Jersey SEEDS program when she was in 7th grade, and spent five weeks of her summer at a rigorous day school. She was one of a small group of students accepted to the program in 8th grade and an even smaller group that participated in a summer boarding school.

When it came time to apply to college, a guidance counselor from her high school suggested Scranton. Tatiana attended an overnight, and “it solidified my decision.”

A "Good Fit"

In some ways, she found Scranton a familiar place. “Scranton is like a community, and I came from a high school like that, so it was a good fit.” In other ways, though, Scranton was different. “The Jesuits really want you to be a well-rounded person. You have an opportunity to put yourself out there, make a difference and be who you want to be.”

For Tatiana, that includes everything – peer mentoring, serving as President of the United Colors Organization, even editing The Windhover, Scranton’s yearbook. That is, of course, on top of her classes and coursework that she hopes will allow her to “make a difference” as a history teacher in middle school. “I hope to help a student to succeed not only in school, but in life’s circumstances,” she says, inspired by her own life experience.

Pursuing the Pride, Passion and Promise of a Scranton Education

Tatiana is just the second person in her family to attend college. Her family, particularly her mother, figures prominently as role models and as a source of inspiration, as she pursues the pride, passion and promise of a Scranton education.