Through NCPA, Maya Evans said she learned how to try new things and get involved. Since coming to Nebraska, she has continued to do just that.
Not only does Maya meet her academic and NCPA obligations, but the speech language pathology major gives campus tours and is now the president of the Afrikan People’s Union (APU), which is the Black student government on campus and promotes cultural, social and academic events.
She was selected by one of her professors to go on a class trip to Topeka, Kan., to visit the Brown vs. Board site. The same professor also noticed that she never missed a day of class.
"NCPA gave me an opportunity to experience college and discover what I want to do," said Maya. "Your job is to just keep your grades up and attend the events for NCPA."
Her father Rodney agrees. "NCPA has had a positive effect on my child by allowing her to fulfill her dreams of going to college and having a network that not only supports but pushes and challenges the students."
"Maya is doing extremely well. Her grades are excellent," Maya’s mother Christina explains. She too appreciates the encouragement and support Maya receives while at college away from home in Omaha, as well as how NCPA has been financially helpful for the family, including Maya's three other siblings.
“It has a positive effect to see someone receiving a full-ride scholarship and attending a four-year university,” Maya said.
She plans on continuing on to graduate school. Maya would like to have a career as a speech language pathologist in an elementary school and in a clinic or hospital during her summers off work.
While her parents expected NCPA to help Maya excel academically, her father noted something else happened along the way.
“She has become a leader and an inspiration for others.”