College Visions

STEVEN

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Why did you join College Visions as a high school student?

I was worried about being able to afford college for the whole four years needed to receive my degree. I came from a first-generation Haitian American family. I've heard so many stories regarding high school graduates that went off to college for a year, began to struggle financially and were required to drop out.

What are you doing now that you have graduated?

I am a Union College class of 2012 graduate. Two weeks after graduation I moved to Columbus, Ohio to start my career. I'm currently nearing my second year at Honda as a design engineer. I am in the Supplementary Restraints department. In other words I do airbag design for all of the Honda and Acura brands designed and manufactured in North and South America.

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

I've always believed that people should give back to programs that gave to them. Since College Visions truly helped set me on the path to success, it only seemed right to give back.

STEVEN graduated from Union College in 2012.

ELMER

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"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.

LISBETH

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“I have been met with widespread support and I could not be more thankful for what this country, state, and city have done for my faith, confidence and future. I thank God for having found my truest passion of all—science.”

In 2015, College Visions student Lisbeth stepped on a stage at Rhode Island College (RIC) to introduce President Obama. Lisbeth shared with the audience her story of being a high school student and a recent immigrant from Guatemala. Meeting the President was a well-deserved honor for Lisbeth. But this moment almost never happened.

When Lisbeth joined CV she had endless talent but she was undocumented. In 12th grade, the implications of her immigration status became real and she thought her future was a dead end. Lisbeth’s grades dropped and she missed appointments at CV.

The CV staff put together a plan to reach out to Lisbeth and her family until she reconnected. You believe in students like Lisbeth. As a result, they see college not as a dream, but as a reality. With this persistent help, Lisbeth completed her college applications and earned an acceptance letter from Rhode Island College!

Lisbeth is taking advantage of all the opportunities available to her as a young scientist. She also has her green card and can receive financial aid. Lisbeth is thriving as a Biochemistry major and she is building her skills working in a campus research lab. That’s why when the President recently came to town to speak at RIC, Lisbeth was invited to provide the opening remarks. Representing women in STEM fields and first-gen students, Lisbeth said:

“I have been met with widespread support and I could not be more thankful for what this country, state, and city have done for my faith, confidence and future. I thank God for having found my truest passion of all—science.”

Low-income and first-generation need extra support in order to thrive in college and earn a degree, and Lisbeth gets that support. Her CV advisor regularly meets with her on the RIC campus. With the guidance of her CV advisor, Lisbeth got her job in a research lab and is building career skills. She also gets assistance filling out her FAFSA and she has access to CV’s Emergency Grant program in case of financial hardship. Lisbeth has achieved against the odds, and that’s why she was chosen to share her inspiring story with the President. And with your support, Lisbeth will soon be on stage again—this time to accept her diploma!

LISBETH will graduate with the Rhode Island College class of 2017.

ADRIENNE

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"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.

ADOLFO

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“I had never set foot on an actual college campus before so everything was new to me.”

What were your favorite parts of College Visions as a 12th grader?
Ahh there's so many where do I even start!? I'd like to say that the college trips were both fun and meaningful. For example, when visiting RIC, I was able to meet other CV students, who I may or may not have met before, who are interested in going to the same school as me. I love being with CV! It's a place where people can still joke around and enjoy themselves, but at the same time can act professional and get their work done as needed.

At the time of the visits, I had never set foot on an actual college campus before so everything was new to me, as it was for many other CV students. I was able to shadow Scarlet, who is also in CV, in her drawing course. This class made the entire trip; the teacher allowed me to participate in the still life that they were sketching. About 15 minutes into the drawing, I received small recognition from the teacher, which completely caught me off guard! I like how RIC is a small campus and how easy it is to get around everywhere just by walking.

How did you choose Rhode Island College?
I wasn’t really thinking about RIC when I started looking at college, but it was the only school that completely covered my tuition! RIC also has an amazing art school, especially now with the new Alex and Ani art center. Also, since it’s not an ‘all art’ school, I can still take courses outside of my art classes and explore new things.

How did CV help with the college admissions process?
Shout out to my CV advisor EmGo! She helped me create my college list and pushed me to finish all of my applications. There were times before the deadline when I struggled to finish my art pieces and apply to the schools. In the end I got into 8 of the 9 schools I applied to, which was really exciting for me.

What’s the most exciting thing about starting college?
I'm really looking forward to attending my classes, especially my art classes. Being a commuter will take some of the ‘college life experience’ away from me, but I won't let that stop me from doing everything that I can to make the best out my freshman year!

ADOLFO will graduate with the Rhode Island College class of 2019.