10,000 Degrees has helped me so much. Beyond the financial support, the staff is just so kind and always willing to help, no matter what I needed. For instance, with all the new FAFSA changes, I was able to get the necessary help to complete my form.
Attending UC Davis definitely raised the expectations from my family and friends for me to finish my degree. I felt like I became a representative of my community by going to UC Davis. While I wish I could’ve lived in the dorms for a fuller college experience, I’m so grateful I got accepted. I learned so much about the differences between community college and a university—the populations, environments, and requirements. Those who know I’m graduating this year seem really proud, as I’m one of the few in both of my families to get a higher education degree.
I want to guide other incoming college students so they can have a smoother college experience. I want them to be able to rely on my guidance, just like I relied on the 10,000 Degrees staff.
Being a college graduate is important to me because I can serve as a symbol or guidance, as proof that you can do it, and that you can do anything.
During the whole FAFSA issues, 10,000 Degrees sent announcements via email or texted about workshops – the one about FAFSA one was especially helpful. I was able to rely on the 10,000 Degrees scholarship team, and they actually helped me submit it. I was so grateful because FAFSA was hard for everybody.
10,000 Degrees was my first scholarship that I got, which was so exciting! The application process wasn’t too difficult, and the essay wasn’t too long or descriptive like other scholarships I’d applied for but never heard back from. I felt like 10,000 Degrees was very reliable.