From T-Stops to Tornadoes: How One Student Found His Path at Urban College
Sometimes, the best journeys begin with a change of scenery.
That was certainly the case for one of our remarkable graduates, Elijah Watts, who found his way to Urban College of Boston after an unsteady start to college during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Craving something new, and encouraged by close friends already in Boston, he made the move north. One day, while waiting at a T-stop, he spotted an Urban College poster that piqued his interest. That curiosity quickly turned into action.
“I just wanted a fresh start,” Elijah shared. “When I saw Urban College, something about it clicked.”
He enrolled in the General Studies Associate Degree program with the goal of becoming a meteorologist already in mind.
“I've always been fascinated by weather, tornadoes especially. And I love geography… how landscapes and climate work together. It’s where my heart is.”
The General Studies program empowered him to earn his core credits, with the plan of transferring after graduation to complete his Bachelor’s in Geography.
Urban College’s flexible, mostly asynchronous online classes turned out to be a perfect fit. “I liked that I could do the work on my own schedule, but it still felt like I was part of a real college experience. I never felt alone.” He credits the college’s course structure and accessible technology, like Brightspace, for helping him stay on track.
But the supportive environment at Urban College was the true standout from his experience.
He formed a strong connection with his advisor, Kendall Driscoll, who was instrumental in his success. “Kendall was always there. She helped me stay on top of my assignments and guided me through graduation requirements. It made all the difference.”
The Executive in Residence course, introduced in Spring 2025, gave him new confidence in networking, building a résumé, and envisioning his future. “It really helped me learn how to present myself, how to talk to people professionally.”
And Elijah’s future is already underway. Graduating with honors this May was just the first step in his impassioned journey.
With nearly all his credits transferring, this fall he’s heading to Kennesaw State University in Georgia as a junior, majoring in Geography.
But, much like a force of nature, Elijah can’t be stopped. He’s already thinking ahead to a master’s degree (and maybe even a PhD) in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Georgia Tech or Georgia State.
“Honestly, I didn’t think I’d be here,” he says, a little in awe of how far he’s come. “I’ve always loved learning, asking questions, being around different people. I want to keep going.”
Despite his ambition, he stays grounded. “I try not to compare myself to others. Everyone’s on their own path. Some people take longer to finish… life gets in the way. I’m lucky I was able to move quickly, but that doesn’t make anyone else’s pace less valid.”
Reflecting on his time at Urban College, he says it best:
“My favorite part about Urban College has been the ability to complete my degree quickly and efficiently. I truly didn’t anticipate how fast the time would pass, and now I’m proud to be an alumni. The professors have played an essential role in my success, and I am incredibly grateful for their support and guidance throughout this journey.”
His story is one of vision and quiet determination. It’s a reminder that with the right support, flexible opportunities, and a community that cares… students can rise, rebuild, and reach for the skies… or the storms.