What happens when college isn’t just a personal decision—but a family expectation?

In this episode of College and Beyond: Real Talk with Amour Carthy, Amour sits down with Alise Givens, an Atlanta native carrying a multi-generation Spelman College legacy while forging her own path toward becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon.

Together, they unpack the reality of growing up inside a legacy, the pressure to honor family history, and what it takes to make even an “expected” path truly your own. This conversation goes beyond the highlight reel—touching on ambition, sacrifice, identity, and the emotional weight that often comes with excellence.

If you’ve ever felt torn between who you’re expected to be and who you’re becoming, this episode is for you.

00:00 Introduction to Legacy and Education

02:51 Understanding Legacy: A Personal Perspective

04:43 Family Legacy and the Pressure to Conform

06:06 Choosing Spelman: A Personal Decision

08:13 High School Experience: Navigating Identity

10:48 Sports and Community at Spelman

11:48 Academic Aspirations: Biology and Medicine

13:55 Exploring Cognitive Development in Children

14:40 Empowering Education: The Impact of ADW Class

17:13 Understanding Systemic Issues: School-to-Prison Pipeline

19:19 The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions

20:22 Navigating Challenges in a Competitive Environment

22:59 Sisterhood and Community at Spelman

26:11 Advice for Future Spelman Students