Access to college
▶ Who can succeed in college?
Dream big, pursue higher education, and overcome challenges as first-generation or low-income students. Utilize financial aid and support services to make college affordable. Explore different schools, embrace diversity, and actively participate for a meaningful experience.
▶ Student story: Overcoming cultural obstacles to college
The speaker faced concerns about leaving their Hispanic community for college. They questioned if it was the best way to serve their community. By gaining education and experiences, they realized they could make a more significant impact on social issues and stay connected to their culture.
▶ Student story: Overcoming anxiety around not fitting in as an obstacle to college
This student shares their experience transitioning from a majority black community to a diverse college. They found a strong sense of belonging and support at Brown University, making friends and connecting with the black community. Programs helped them adjust, and they formed lasting friendships.
▶ Student story: Overcoming time management obstacles to college
This student talks about managing their time during the college application process. They struggled with balancing school, sports, and college applications. To overcome this, they dedicated 30 minutes daily to work on applications. They stayed focused and finished their applications on time.
▶ Student story: Overcoming social obstacles to college
This student talks about overcoming their tough environment to succeed in school and make it to college. They mention how staying focused on their goals helped them avoid getting involved in negative activities. They emphasize the importance of staying true to oneself and concentrating on the future.
▶ Student story: Overcoming lack of high school support as an obstacle to college
This student faced challenges in applying to colleges because their high school lacked college advisors. They didn't receive administrative support for applying to multiple schools. Instead, they relied on informal mentors like teachers and after-school program directors who encouraged them to pursue their dreams. This highlights the importance of support systems in achieving goals.
▶ Student story: Overcoming immigration obstacles to college
This student shares their experience as an undocumented person. They faced fear of being separated from their family and home. This fear affected their college application process. However, they turned that fear into motivation, pursued a college degree, and set an example for their younger siblings.
▶ Student story: Overcoming financial obstacles to college
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▶ Student story: Overcoming the financial aid process as an obstacle to college
This student faced challenges with the financial aid process for college. Their parents' were mystified by the process and were not used to keeping financial records, which are important for financial aid applications. The student relied on their sister's experience and online research to complete financial aid forms like the CSS Profile, often filling in zeros or seeking answers elsewhere.
▶ Student story: Overcoming family obstacles to college
This student faced cultural and financial obstacles when deciding to leave home for college. Their family didn't understand why kids in America moved away at 18. The speaker reassured their parents it was temporary and got support from teachers and others with similar backgrounds. Eventually, the parents saw the benefits of their child's college experience.
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