Cluster student Kiley has a problem many high school seniors would like to have. She’s trying to decide which college to attend out of the 10 where she’s been accepted — so far.
Kiley and her sister, Kichelle, started at Cluster when Kiley was in 2nd grade and Kichelle was in 3rd. Originally, they worked with tutor Holly Saunders and Holly’s daughter. But the daughter got busy with her own school activities, so Holly tutored both sisters at the same time.
Both Kiley and Kichelle are good students, always getting A’s and B’s, Holly said. “When they were young, I sort of bounced back and forth between them. Eventually, they brought their homework, and tutoring became self-sustaining.”
This year, Kichelle is a freshman at Eastern Michigan University, studying speech pathology. But Kiley, a senior at Northside College Preparatory High School, has set her sights on studying business.
“I definitely want to major in business,” Kiley said. She said she doesn’t know where that focus will take her, but her acceptances have come from schools of business at various schools. Currently, her top choices are DePaul University, University of Illinois-Chicago, and the University of Iowa. “I think it would be fun to go to a Big 10 school,” she said, adding that she likes the idea of going away to school “to get the full college experience.”
Kiley’s extracurricular activities at school keep her busy: She’s in two dance groups and plays softball, which will start soon. Besides making her college decision, she is also busy applying for scholarships.
Kiley said she appreciates her 10 years at Cluster. “Working with Holly always helped me get my homework done and keep my grades up.”
Holly, however, gives credit to Kiley. “She’s well-focused and able to keep on track,” she said. “She’s a good critical thinker who has a lot of confidence.” Holly also praised Kiley’s work ethic and good study habits. “Whatever she decides to be, she’ll be doing it well.”
Once Kiley graduates, Holly has decided some time off from tutoring. “After a decade, it’s time to take a break next year,” she said.