Featured Students

JASON

What is your major and why did you choose it?

I am majoring in Neuroscience. I chose this specific major because of my love and passion for the human brain and its very unique functions. In high school, I discovered my interest in psychology and wanted to dive deeper, and so neuroscience was that deep end that I was searching for.

How has life changed for you during this pandemic?

COVID-19 has had very serious impacts worldwide. When we first learned about the pandemic and went into lockdown back in March, I was working in the hospital where I saw the pandemic's most severe effects. I had never seen so many people suffering at once and afraid of what was to come. I would say that COVID-19 definitely changed me in a way that forced me to become a more mindful person, placing others before myself. At work, I focused on the patients I had interactions with; at home, I valued the time I spent with my family before moving to college.

How is distance learning going for you? What are you most worried and hopeful about?

Distance learning has its pros and cons. Only two of my classes were fully online while my other three were a mix of in-class and via Zoom. The classes that were online were definitely harder to grow in academically; however, it was not impossible. For my spring semester courses that will be taught via zoom, whether it be synchronously or asynchronously, I am worried about not being able to learn and dive deep into the material as I would be able to in a classroom where COVID-19 has no influences. However, I am hopeful that my professors, classmates, and I will do our best to work together to reach our fullest potentials.

What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

To me, being a first-generation student means that while my academic success may be harder to achieve because of the obstacles that I am faced with, I am capable of reaching it. This is not to place blame on my parents for not going to college-- they did not have the privilege of growing up with their education at the top of their priorities. They did everything and more for my siblings and me, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

What would you say to donors who are consistently giving to CV and making this resource available to you?

To the donors that are constantly giving to College Visions and removing the obstacles that come my way when thinking about my education, a simple "thank you" is not enough. To you, it means being selfless; to me, it means defying the systems that are in place that make it harder for students like me to succeed; it means you recognize our struggles and are uncomfortable with them and want to help us destroy them; it means taking the step that we were unable to because of financial limitations and other barriers. Please understand that your help acts as the foundation to our success as well as what fuels it. Your help is greatly appreciated by my peers and me. Thank you.

JASON is attending Boston College and will graduate in May of 2024.

ELMER

"Without the support of College Visions, I would have never applied to schools like Brandeis. My parents are also nervous and excited because I will be the first in my family to go to college."

Elmer’s college journey began in El Salvador, where he was born. When he was a young child, Elmer’s parents moved the family to the US, “because they wanted to give us kids the opportunity they never had.”

Elmer’s parents saw education as the key to his future, but for Elmer it was scary to be a Spanish-speaking kindergartener in an English-speaking Providence elementary school. As he learned more English, Elmer began to like school, and he was good at it. But still he worried: “I didn’t believe there was much opportunity for a student in my situation.”

Elmer joined College Visions as an 11th grader and worked with his CV advisor Raul to build a list of colleges that match his interests and offer generous financial aid, complete his applications, and write his college essay. Elmer’s parents have also come to the CV office to talk to Raul about the college application process and financial aid. “My parents are also nervous and excited because I will be the first in my family to go to college. I want to travel and to help others. I did my senior project on 3D printing in developing countries. With a 3D printer you can make things like prosthetics for people who have lost limbs to land mines or water purifiers cheaply.”

“When I did the overnight at Brandeis, I saw myself there. Everyone was really friendly and I believe I can get a really good education there. But I still needed more money to be able to go to Brandeis. They wanted me to pay more than my parents could afford, but Raul showed me how to write an appeal letter to explain why I need more money. Without the support of CV I would never have applied to schools like Brandeis, and I wouldn’t know about things like writing appeal letters.”

Now that he’s a student at Brandeis, Elmer says: “I feel really excited. I’m looking forward to many things like exploring different areas of study and finding things I’m really passionate about.” With the help of our College Success Program, Elmer will get the support he needs as a college student to make it all the way to graduation.

ELMER will graduate with the Brandeis University class of 2019.

MICHAELLE

“The most amazing part about being in College Visions was the family aspect. I felt so fortunate to have not only the financial support with waivers, but the emotional support. ”

What was an obstacle that you had to overcome during the college application process? How did CV help you overcome this obstacle?

Something I found challenging was my college essay. I found it very challenging to think of a topic or to be satisfied with the ideas I was generating. Ultimately, I lacked confidence and I had a fixed mindset about my own capabilities. Simon, the founding executive director, supported me to trust my voice. He provided examples of other essays and supported me through many drafts of the writing experience.

What did you value about your College Visions experience? What made the difference to you?

The most amazing part of being a part of College Visions was the family aspect. I felt so fortunate to have not only the financial support with waivers, but the emotional support. I witnessed my peers struggling with gaining access to what I learned to be common knowledge about college in general, navigating the experience, and finding the space that felt right for your next stage in life. Simon was thoughtful in how to affirm our wildest dreams and marry them to our realities. He always reminded us that we need a clear plan with not just a goal but the strategic steps to achieve it.

What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college graduate?

It means everything. My parents had always narrated their hopes and dreams for my siblings and I. I felt a tremendous amount of pressure as the oldest. I felt that if I didn’t succeed I would bring shame to my family. I also felt a pressure to not move too far to fear of not being able to support if needed. I know that I can truly be and do anything I want if I’m willing to just dare to fly! I know what I was able to do inspired my siblings and put me in a position as a professional to compete with my peers in today’s world.

Why do you give to CV?

I give because I believe in the work. It is wild how much the program has grown. More and more young people feel underwhelmed with the educational opportunities in front of them. They either lack effort or motivation. The change to be in CV ignites a spark. The data speaks for itself and it makes others feel excited to learn more. There are so many talented young people who deserve their shot to explore their potential. CV makes that possible. I wish we could serve even more young people.

What motivated you to work in education? What does it mean to you to be an educator of color?

I honestly have no idea. I was convinced teaching wasn’t good enough and little did I know I would become a Teacher of the Year 2019 for my district. When I look back, I suppose being the eldest of 6, having volunteers on over 19 service trips domestically and internationally. I just love helping others grow and develop. I support a variety of needs. There is no more leaving our brown and black behind academically.

MICHAELLE graduated from Northeastern University, Class of 2011.

ADRIENNE

"I continue to support College Visions so that this precious and meaningful service can continue to be provided for the students who need it the most."

We are proud that so many of our College Visions alums now support us as donors. Adrienne was part of College Visions’ class of 2006. She attended Clark University where she earned both a BA in Photography and Film Studies and a MA in Public Administration. Adrienne now works as a photo-based artist here in Providence, RI where she is also the Director of Grants to Organizations at the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. Adrienne tells us that, “College Visions touched every member of my family in a real and lasting way,” and that is a big part of the reason that she is a committed CV friend and donor.

As an alum, why do you continue to support College Visions as a donor?

I owe a great deal to College Visions. I'm the oldest child in my immediate family. We just didn't know how to navigate through the college process on our own. I certainly didn't feel properly prepared by my high school guidance counselors, who were dealing with hundreds of students. CV was so helpful in walking me through the process with no stress and at no cost to my parents. I continue to support College Visions so that this precious and meaningful service can continue to be provided for the students who need it the most.

ADRIENNE graduated from Clark University in 2011.

MATTHEW

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

What has it been like for you to do school online during this pandemic?

Online school was difficult at first since there was no direct interaction with my teachers which for me, made it harder to understand some topics. Although after a month of online learning I got into the groove of things and found online learning easy after a while.

How has CV helped you through the college admissions process?

CV has helped me in so many ways with the college admissions process. I was able to apply to schools that I had never thought about and I was able to complete everything on time or early thanks to my advisor.

What will your major be and why did you choose it?

My major will be Biomedical Engineering. I always knew I wanted something to do with engineering and biomedical seemed fun to do and being able to possibly save people behind the scenes sounds like an amazing job.

What does being a first-generation student mean to you?

Being a first generation means everything to me. It helps and motivates me to be a stronger learner and a harder worker since I know I don't just do this for myself but for my family and also for future generations to come.

How did you hear about the Nordson BUILDS scholarship and how did you feel when you received it?

I heard about the Nordson BUILDS scholarship through College Visions. When I received it, I was so excited. It made college more affordable for me this year so I can really focus on my classes.