College Visions

CAP Student Dilara Ozdemir Can Speak 5 Languages!

College Access Program (CAP) student, Dilara Ozdemir attends East Providence High School and one of her “greatest goals in life is to be able to speak many different languages, so I can touch the hearts of the people who speak those languages. I am closer to achieving my dream every day, but it is the progress and the effort that matter. My first language is Turkish and my English had been improving ever since I moved to the United States four years ago. This is my fourth year taking French in high school, and I also took two years of Latin. I was also trying to learn ASL, Spanish, and Arabic; the last two still have a long way to go!”

We are amazed at her knack for language and dedication to her education!

“For me, being a first-generation college students means that I am going to be a role model for my family. My parents both went to college, but in another country, so their certificates are not accepted here. Seeing them working so hard later on in life to be able to do the jobs they love to do gives me a passion to chase my dreams. My younger sister and cousins are looking up to me, they always have. I want to be an example for them so they understand that they can do whatever they want in life.”

With your support, Dilara will soon be a first-year college student at a university of her choice where she can continue her passion for education and earn her college degree!

Click here to read the article in The Providence Journal

Photo Credit: Kris Craig/The Providence Journal

It’s Graduation Season!

“After graduating from nursing school, I am excited but also nervous and anxious about starting my career. I want to provide the best care possible to all my patients and I trust in the foundation that RIC School of Nursing has provided. I plan on taking advantage of all the opportunities that come my way to keep expanding my knowledge and growing as a nurse.”
– Katherine Rodriguez, Rhode Island College ’21

We are so proud of every low-income and first-generation student who has pushed through their circumstances to persevere and get to this point in their journey–high school and college graduation! Your strength and hard work is unmatched! And, thank you to all the CV supporters who continue to volunteer and donate in support of each student striving for better! Thank you!
Read Katherine’s interview below!
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Meet Soon-to-be High School Graduate: Davina Mwelwa

2021 continues to look different for high school and college students, especially low-income, first-generation students who, in some cases, have to choose between entering the workforce to support themselves and help their families and going to college. It is a tough decision to make and with your continued support, CV continues to support students through it by showing them what resources are available. Thank you for your continued support!
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Meet High School Graduate: Matthew Perea

“CV is an amazing opportunity that really helps a lot of first-generation students think and learn about college. Your donations help this amazing organization to keep running. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

With support from his CV community, Matthew will be attending the University of Rhode Island in the fall and majoring in Biomedical Engineering! Matthew’s dedication and hard work has not only gotten him admission into his college of choice, but a major scholarship!

Find out which by reading his interview below!
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Congratulations First-Generation College Graduate: Chelsea Fevry

It’s a very tough time to graduate from college. The Class of 2020 missed out on so many celebrations and events and faces deep uncertainty. Despite these challenges, we hope you will join us in celebrating the hard work and talent of Chelsea and all the other 2020 college graduates.

“The most challenging part of college was not having many people around me that understood the challenges and the huge significance that came with being a first-generation college student. CV helped me overcome this challenge by providing support in the form of a CV advisor. Having a CV advisor throughout the duration of college gave me solace and comfort that I had someone to relate to when I wasn’t finding that support in my immediate environment in college. Whenever I spoke to my advisor, it reassured me that I had someone who understood my background and believed in my academic ability.”

Because of your support, first-generation students like Chelsea receive essential support, guidance, and access to resources throughout their college journeys. She, like many others in CV, exemplifies the power of a community united and the affect it has on low-income and first-generation students. 

Chelsea is now a proud graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology! Read her interview below!

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