University of South Carolina junior Nakia McCloud reflects on pivotal moments throughout his educational experience. From Spartanburg, SC, Nakia talks about the richness of his community and what he learned from seeing an older sibling pursuing college to guidance counselors encouraging him to also consider college as a next step. The notion of 'it takes a village' is realized through Nakia's story, particularly being a first-generation student, he recognized the need to see other first-generation students making a path towards college. He stresses the importance of educators embracing the diversity of their students by addressing their unique needs.