From failing school to honor graduate

From being labeled a struggling student to earning honor graduate status with a nearly straight-A GPA, Olandria Carthen’s story is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in Decatur with a single mom who insisted on excellence, she persevered through being placed at a struggling school, worked long hours through high school, and rose to the top of her class — all while breaking family patterns and winning an academic scholarship to Tuskegee University. This powerful tale of grit, determination, and academic triumph offers a deeper look at the person behind the Love Island USA star that fans are rallying behind.