Why does Wes Moore credit Paul White for his acceptance into Johns Hopkins in The Other Wes Moore?

Despite his many successes at Valley Forge Military Academy, Wes still lacks something in the confidence department. He doesn't truly believe he has what it takes to study at Johns Hopkins. For one thing, his SAT scores are considerably lower than the average applicant. Also, Wes doesn't know anyone who's actually been there, despite the fact that he grew up in Baltimore; he thinks that the college will be full of people who don't look or sound like him.
However, after a meeting with Paul White, the Assistant Dean for Admissions, Wes has a change of heart. Paul convinces him that he can accomplish a lot at Johns Hopkins and encourages him to apply. With newfound confidence, Wes applies for Johns Hopkins and is successful. As it was Paul White who imbued him with the necessary confidence to apply, Wes credits him for his acceptance into Johns Hopkins. All things considered, he couldn't have done it without him.