Growing up in a family of seven, Ron Robinson learned how to compromise, how to share and most importantly, to be at the table on time for supper. “Everyone loves cooking in our family, and dinner is really important. We eat a lot. My mom cooks; my dad cooks; my older sister cooks; she’s really good.” Favorite meals include chicken parmesan, chicken alfredo and pancakes. “Every meal is the best meal at my house,” he says.
The Robinsons come to the table to eat, to laugh, to talk about their days and to make plans for the future. Around that table a young Ron pitched his first business plan. “When I was in first grade, I used to sell silly bands bracelets.” In high school he sold clothes, and now he’s studying business so he can take his passion for sales to a new level. “My dad stressed to us all the time that going to college is really important. Once you graduate from college, no one can take that degree away from you, no matter what.”
Robinson’s early business experience showed him the value of a dollar, so he was concerned about the cost of college. “I have to take every advantage I can, every opportunity and Say Yes was the best one.” Thanks to Say Yes Guilford’s partnership with Guilford College, the Page graduate is looking at finishing his degree with little to no debt. “I’m so glad that I got the opportunity.”
With two years under his belt, Robinson expects to graduate in 2023 with a degree in business administration. He doesn’t know what he’ll be doing, but he knows he has a team of supporters cheering him all the way. “They keep me going, keep me strong and make me want to succeed.” And they always save him a seat at the table.
Say Yes Guilford encourages every GCS senior to register for the scholarships, and registration is open now through June 1 at shift-ed.org.
Say Yes Guilford continues to support our scholars in college and high school seniors applying for scholarships through phone calls, emails and via our website, shift-ed.org. Since its inception, Say Yes Guilford has awarded over $8.6 million to GCS graduates, and our partnership with over 100 private colleges and universities provided another $11.3 million for a total impact of over $20 million.
Say Yes Guilford is committed to providing access to support services and scholarships designed to prepare Guilford County Schools’ students for success in college, career and life.