The nervousness Marcus Roberson feels about his approaching college journey isn't a sign of uncertainty—it's evidence of his thoughtful approach to life's biggest transitions.

"I've been preparing myself mentally ever since freshman year," the Momence High School senior explains, his voice steady despite acknowledging his apprehension. "It's been really nervous, but with the help of my family, friends, they've helped me prepare for this."

That balance—between ambition and careful consideration—characterizes Marcus's entire approach to education. While many seniors might coast through their final year, Marcus has prepared meticulously for his future in computer engineering and economics, having already secured acceptance letters from all four of his target schools: Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan, Northern Illinois University, and Indiana Wesleyan.

"Every day I'm researching each college, seeing what's the best choice for me in my specific major," he says, weighing his options with the same deliberation he brings to his studies. "I also want to double major... be more responsible with money."

This academic focus hasn't emerged by chance. Throughout high school, Marcus has been on an upward trajectory that began, as he describes it, "at the bottom" during freshman year before rising "to the top, slowly but surely." His success spans both STEM and humanities—honored by teachers like Miss Boros in AP Literature and Mr. Toberman in history classes including AP History and Western Civilization.

Unlike many high-achieving students who spread themselves across multiple extracurriculars, Marcus has concentrated his energy squarely on academics. "I focus on academics and see myself mostly in academics," he states matter-of-factly, a decision that has clearly paid dividends given his college acceptances.

When asked what drives him, Marcus doesn't point to external recognition but to internal standards: "I get that a lot from my family and friends that I aim high. I want to achieve all my goals. I want to strive for greatness."

His understanding of success is particularly nuanced. When questioned about the role of failure in a person's journey, Marcus reflects, "Failure can be another path. When another path closes, another one opens... If you don't have failure, then you don't know where to learn." After a brief pause, he adds with growing conviction, "Failure helps you improve, adapt, achieve things that you haven't seen yourself achieve before."

This wisdom seems to come from the two people Marcus credits most for his outlook—his stepmom, Shawn Fonz, and his 34-year-old brother, Tristan Roberson, who has served as a father figure.

"She's hardworking," Marcus says of his stepmom. "She never gives up. When she has a goal in mind, she never stops to achieve it." His brother, meanwhile, "always teaches me to surpass the ideal goal."

Their influence has shaped Marcus's approach to life's challenges. "We get what we deal with," he observes when discussing life's inherent unfairness. Rather than comparing himself to others, he focuses inward: "I've been trying my best and that's all I care about. I don't want to compare myself to other people because it's not really fair to me."

Looking beyond college, Marcus envisions using his education to lift others. "I want to try to help the people around me succeed," he says. "Like giving them tips, lessons, and if they need my help, then I'll help—try my best to help show them the way."

As Marcus stands at the threshold between high school and higher education, he carries more than just acceptance letters and academic achievements. He brings with him the lessons of perseverance from his stepmom, the ambition instilled by his brother, and his own hard-earned wisdom about setting goals, embracing challenges, and learning from setbacks.

In the quiet determination that guides his decisions and the thoughtful way he weighs his options, Marcus Roberson isn't just preparing for college—he's crafting a blueprint for a life where success is measured not by comparison to others, but by the consistent pursuit of one's personal best.