Overcoming Challenges
The barriers and obstacles I faced pursuing my college degree was managing life and school all at once. There were times where I wanted to give up on my education, but I didn’t want to give up on myself and my parents. Going through school and being a student is difficult at times, but I am happy for 10,000 Degrees’ help through my college journey. They helped me change my life by encouraging me to stay in school.
Finding a Support System in 10,000 Degrees
My involvement with 10,000 Degrees has helped me with my college journey because every time I had a specific question about college, they were always there to answer it. This program has been very helpful in keeping me on track with school and helping me with the scholarship to pay for some of my tuition. I remember a summer program at Dominican University where we got to stay and experience what college was going to be like. That really helped me too—helped me navigate where I wanted to go in life, and introduce me to college mentors that helped me out navigating what classes to take. They also helped me financially this semester, like covering for books or school homework modules I had to purchase for a class. So it was a big help.
Impact and Future Aspirations
“The impact of attending college has made me a well-rounded educated individual that can make a change in this world. Being a college graduate is important to me because I feel like I can be a role model to my younger family members, and it could help me build towards where I want to pursue my future. I’m getting a degree in communications, but I plan to go into international relations. I plan to go for my master’s, but outside of the United States. I’m starting to apply to master’s programs this October to start in February, possibly at Leiden University in the Netherlands. I want to change the world for the better to give communities a voice to be heard that are not recognized. I want every person to have some sort of education to be able to conquer their dreams. I believe in the power of education because if you want to be successful in life, I feel like you need a bit of education to guide you to where you want to be in life. I am ONE Degree of Change because I am living proof that you can achieve anything in life as long as you put your mind and hard work into it. Thank you for everything 10,000 Degrees!”