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!
What college/university did you attend and what was your major/degree?
I attended Rhode Island College from 2014-2016, then transferred and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in December of 2019.
How has CV played a part in your college journey?
I first started participating in CV during my senior year of high school in 2013. My CV advisor worked 1-on-1 with me to teach me how to navigate the college application process, apply for financial aid, and apply for scholarships. My CV advisor also helped coach me through writing application essays and provided guidance in terms of what criteria to look for when choosing a college that fits best for my needs. Additionally, having a CV advisor provided me with direct access to encouragement and reassurance that I had someone who believed in my ability to succeed in college. Through CV’s College Success Program, I was also able to continue receiving 1-on-1 support throughout undergraduate. Additionally, through CV’s partnership with Southwest Airlines, I received financial support to assist with travel costs when flying back home from North Carolina to my hometown, Rhode Island. CV has been an amazing resource to me, as a first-generation college student and daughter of immigrant parents. I am grateful for all that CV does and will continue to do to support first-generation college students in the city of Providence.
What is the significance of you becoming a first-generation college graduate?
The significance of me becoming a first-generation college graduate means that I am a part of the first generation in my household/family to graduate from a four-year college/university. It means that I broke a generational cycle and carved a new path for the people in the next generations after me. By graduating college, I am serving as a living example for my future kids that going to college is a possibility. Additionally, it means that I am at the beginning stages of writing a new inspirational story for myself and those connected to me. I am one step closer to finding success in my journey.
What would you say to donors who have consistently given to CV and helped make this resource possible?
To the donors who have consistently given to CV, I would say thank you for your continued support. Your financial contributions make it possible for students like myself to have access to advisors that provide support throughout the college admissions process, our undergraduate career and beyond. Additionally, your support and continued financial contributions make it possible for first-generation college students to not only attend college, but to graduate and succeed with a strong support system. Through giving, you are helping first-generation college students find the foundation they need to carve a new path for their brighter future tomorrow. On behalf of CV alums, thank you again for your gift!
A huge congratulations to Chelsea and all the 2020 college graduates!
