Getting a college education is paramount because it’s necessary for the career I want. My college experience has been challenging; I overcame poverty, homelessness, and chronic illness, and learned to navigate applications and access support. I was an artist, but after COVID hit, my income dropped drastically. It was time for a change. I restarted my biochemistry degree on a pre-med track at Santa Rosa Junior College. The plan is to become a physician, which requires multiple degrees.
A significant 10,000 Degrees moment was their support in applying for the Sonoma County Health Scholars scholarship. After an initial rejection, they insisted I reapply. When I got it, seeing their staff congratulate us and introduce us to donors who welcomed us with open arms was truly impactful. It showed me we had not just financial, but community support to build our confidence and realize we belong.
10,000 Degrees fundamentally changed my life, helping me get through college with minimal debt. They were one of the first scholarships I received, giving me the confidence to apply for more. So far, I’ve raised four times the amount I’ve taken out for loans. Beyond finances, their advocacy and wraparound support connected me to vital programs like EOP. My mentor, Vicky, ensured I was plugged into all the support I needed, even helping with my first medical school applications as a practice round. It’s truly been an all-encompassing wraparound support.
Attending college has brought an overflowing amount of support from my family, friends, and community. I tell them if I could do it with everything I came from, they can too. I’ve helped friends get into junior college and transfer, and assisted other community members in accessing services to start their college journey as disabled adults. I believe education changes lives because it’s the only way to elevate people not given a silver spoon. Every ounce of help I’ve received will help me pay it forward by becoming a physician who supports underserved patients. Hopefully, one day I can become a 10,000 Degrees Donor!