Many first-generation students don’t have access to the essential college resources that are vital to their success and contribute to the acquisition of their college degree. With College Visions, low-income and first-gen students are able to go on college campus visits, learn how to write a resume, cover letter, and college essay, build a strong relationship with their advisor and more.
First-generation student, Sheila Bautista, attends the University of Rhode Island where she is currently studying political science and because of you and CV support she was able to secure an internship at Senator Jack Reed’s Office, giving her experience in her field!
What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college student?
Being a first generation college student to me means breaking generational curses. It means being able to have a better future for which my mother risked her life for me, it means being able to provide mobility by moving up from the social strata I grew up in.
How has CV played a part in your journey?
College Visions played a huge part in helping me get to college. Without CV I probably wouldn’t have been able to get through the college application process successfully. Even after high school, CV provided me with mentorship for ongoing concerns and questions that I still have as a first-generation college student.
What are 1-3 most important things you’ve learned from your college experience so far?
I have learned how to manage my time tremendously. When you have a busy schedule such as myself, with many titles and opportunities come many responsibilities. I have learned how to manage greatly my time so that I complete things in a timely manner to prevent myself from being overworked or worse not getting some things done.
How did you come to be an intern in Senator Reed’s office? What is the experience like so far?
I am extremely grateful that I am apart of the College Visions community because I got an email from a CV advisor telling me about this position to intern at the Senator’s office. I immediately replied and said I was interested. The advisor then gave me the link to apply and put in a word for me. So far I have gone to every event that Senator Jack Reed is invited to on Mondays. Aside from that, I work on creating/ writing the memos for the events he attends and gets invited too.
How does the internship align with your interests and/or future plans?
The internship aligns with my future plans because I hope to someday be in the decision making process of education policy making. Getting experience to work with a Senator and being able to see his work first-hand will allow exposure for me to see what it’s like having a role in the federal government.
What would you say to CV donors and supports who are invested in CV and continue to make this resource possible?
If it wasn’t for College Visions I wouldn’t have had this amazing opportunity that I have now of being able to work for a U.S Senator of the state of Rhode Island. This paid internship is a huge step to getting me introduced to my political science major and can open so many doors for me after I graduate. Thank you tremendously for allowing people like me to have a chance to succeed in college.
Thank you, Sheila for taking time out to do this interview and we hope you enjoy your internship!
