EOP encourages students to try new things

Kylian Isaacs, a rising senior majoring in political science and minoring in digital data studies, was born and raised in Paris, France. It wasn’t until his high school years that his family moved to Long Island.

“Moving here was kind of shocking,” he said. “I had this idea of the United States from when I was younger. But I just wasn’t caught up on certain things.”

In high school, Isaacs initially struggled to fit in. He spoke with an accent that he describes as a mix of South African and French, which he had to constantly explain to his peers. Still, Isaacs threw himself headlong into his new environment and adapted fairly quickly. By the time college applications rolled around, he had settled in: he played on the school football team, had developed a tightly knit circle of friends and had impressive grades.

“When I was looking at colleges in the U.S., I got introduced to SUNY schools,” Isaacs said. “At the time I was a football player, which was a big thing because I had the grades that meant I could go to college and play football. But football just isn’t my sport.”

SUNY schools piqued his interest, and when he was accepted at Binghamton University and admitted through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), he knew he had found the right fit.

Going into college, Isaacs knew that he wanted to pursue a career in either law or politics. He’s inspired by two of his grandparents, both of whom have careers in politics — one was the president of the Republic of the Congo. Isaacs tells stories about his grandfathers meeting Muhammed Ali and Nelson Mandela, and they inspire him to follow in their footsteps.

“People used to tell me I’d make a good lawyer, but I didn’t really take it seriously until I looked at the people in my life that I wanted to emulate,” he said. “And to me, it was my grandfathers. They’re both these relatively powerful men in how they carry themselves, and I find that very inspiring.”

At Binghamton University, Isaacs was inspired to further his aspirations and goals by the EOP counselors he worked with. They pushed him to involve himself in the campus community and try new things.

Isaacs is now the vice president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter on campus and the political correspondent for the Black Student Union, two clubs that he enjoys being a part of. He has organized events like the Black Student Union’s annual fashion show and hosted Black Solidarity Day through the NAACP, during which he ran a program where he met with incarcerated young men and women.

Those experiences wouldn’t have happened without EOP.

“My EOP counselors definitely helped shape and pave the way for me to want to be able to look into those clubs,” Isaacs said. “They really helped me understand what I’m ready for and what I want to get into.”

EOP has pushed Isaacs to try something new in all sectors of his life, not just clubs and organizations. Because of EOP, he explored different classes and majors, and opened himself up to another interest he hadn’t been expecting — his minor, digital data studies.

“EOP has completely shaped my experience at Binghamton,” he said. “It changed it for the better.”

Because of that, Isaacs’s advice for new students is simple: put yourself out there. Try the scary thing.

“Take your time, but don’t be afraid to integrate yourself into new things when you’re ready,” Isaacs said.

Isaacs has tried new things time and time again, from when he first moved to the U.S. back in high school, to applying to colleges, to joining organizations, to selecting a minor. To him, it’s all about trying the new, maybe even difficult thing, and seeing where you end up.

“College is a space where you can explore so many different things and meet so many incredible people,” Isaacs said. “And you never know how many opportunities you might give yourself just by getting out there.”