Tamara Bates will be the first of 88 grandchildren in her family to graduate from college. “I always wanted something different,” said the 22-year-old rising senior at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. “I just want to motivate my peers, because they need it the most. We were put on this earth to serve a purpose. You just have to put yourself out there, be willing to take risks, and have an open mind.”