“Rejection is redirection,” Seani Edwards perseveres with NYU acceptance
By JaJuan Morris-Guity
At the tender age of 23, Seani Edwards is stepping into a future she once only prayed for. Raised in Starrett City and East New York, Brooklyn, Edwards grew up balancing quiet ambition with heavy personal struggles. Behind her warm smile and outgoing personality was a young woman battling grief, self-doubt, and depression while trying to find her place in a world where she often felt overlooked.
There were moments when college no longer seemed possible, and times when she questioned whether her dreams were simply too far out of reach. But through resilience, determination, and years of personal growth, Edwards refused to allow her circumstances to define her future.
Today, she is proudly celebrating her acceptance into the New York University’s School of Professional Studies Associate Degree Program; a milestone that represents far more than academic success. For Edwards, the achievement symbolizes survival, healing, and finally stepping into the life she always believed was meant for her.
For Edwards, the acceptance felt “surreal.” After struggling academically in high school and facing rejection from several colleges during her first attempt at higher education. Rather than allowing disappointment to define her future, Edwards used those setbacks as motivation to rebuild herself and try again.
“I had to overcome my old self,” Edwards said. “The person that thought she wasn’t good enough for the greatness that life has to offer.”
Growing up on Georgia Avenue, Edwards faced challenges that shaped her perspective at an early age. The loss of her grandfather deeply impacted her, and over time she found herself battling depression and uncertainty while searching for direction and purpose.
Seani’s journey was also shaped by a strong network of support through the Young Adults Program (YAP) and later RISE, where she received mentorship, academic guidance, and consistent encouragement while rebuilding her educational goals. With support from mentors in RISE including Post-Secondary Readiness Advisor Jai Moore and Program Director of Teen and Young Adult Programs Eileen Level, she was guided through the NYU SPS full ride application process, assisted with her essays and follow-ups, and given critical feedback, all of which strengthen her submission.
Although the process initially felt intimidating, she refused to let fear stop her. Beyond academics, Seani also participated in the “Working the Gap” internship, where she served onsite as a mentor twice a week, gaining leadership experience and stability during a transitional period in her life. Together, these overlapping systems of mentorship, journalism support, and wellness programming created what she describes as a full circle moment – turning guidance and opportunity into a clear pathway toward her acceptance into NYU SPS.
“Any room that you step into, it’s yours,” Edwards said. “My key to success is letting God be in the middle of all of my decisions.”
Now preparing to study Liberal Arts, Edwards hopes to maintain a 4.0 GPA while balancing work, campus involvement, and meaningful relationships with professors and classmates. Beyond academics, she dreams of becoming an author and filmmaker whose work inspires others to pursue their passions unapologetically.
Edwards said she hopes her journey reminds young people in communities like Spring Creek that setbacks do not define their future.
“Rejection is redirection,” Edwards said. “Everyone runs a race at their own pace.”
Today, her journey stands as a powerful reminder that faith, perseverance, and self-belief can open doors that once seemed impossible.
Photo courtesy of Seani Edwards