McCORMICK --U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., heard about the achievements of McCormick High School's students and had to learn about them for himself.

Scott, the highest member of the federal government to visit the school, spoke to a select group of students Thursday morning in the media center. Sunlight streamed through a big window silhouetting him at times as he paced and interacted with students.

In November, Scott became the first black senator since Reconstruction elected from the South. He said he can see support from Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives and Senate coming to fruition in the future regarding the Keystone pipeline expected to generate 40,000 new jobs, passing a balanced budget and meaningful tax reform.

"I actually think we are heading in the right direction," he said.

Scott emphasized education and self-empowerment during the visit, which lasted less than an hour.

"Not a single person in this room can stop you from being successful except yourself," he said.

Scott also talked about his own background growing up in North Charleston raised in a home by a single mother, his academic challenges throughout school, his attendance at Presbyterian College on a football scholarship, business ventures and political achievements.

Scott said failure is the signal for a new path and not the end of a situation.

"I hit almost every pothole you can think of," Scott said. "I am accustomed to failure more than success."

Zariya Lagroon, 16, a junior, asked Scott his perspective on women's rights and workplace pay. Lagroon said she was inspired to learn more from Scott because of research on social issues she did this academic year in her English class.

"What he said about how hard they (women) are working and how much they are paid makes a difference, especially if you are a single mother because they are working more and have more to take care of," said Lagroon, a member of the school's basketball, softball and volleyball teams and a Big Chief Program mentor.

Tyzay Jackson, 16, a junior, said Scott's visit meant a lot to him.

"It is a life-changing moment, something that gives you a different view of life," he said.

Jackson, a member of the school's football and track teams and JROTC, said he felt empowered to pursue his goals of joining the military or earning a master's degree in business administration after graduation.

"He showed he had been through the struggle," Jackson said.