Today, Robinson is laser-focused on medical school applications, completing a biochemistry course, and studying for the MCAT, with the goal of becoming a physician, ideally a surgeon. “As someone who’s non-binary, grew up in Dorchester, and comes from a non-traditional background, I feel like I bring a different perspective to the medical field,” they say. “I want to fill the gaps where people say there needs to be improvement.” But there was a point where they thought college might never be part of their future.
Growing up in an immigrant household, moving frequently, navigating life in Section 8 housing, and truancy led them to drop out of high school. During some of the darkest moments, one constant kept Robinson grounded: breakdancing. It became an outlet, a community, and a way of coping. Unexpectedly, it also became the bridge back to education.
“He treated me like a friend… I felt supported in a way I didn’t expect—that meant more than anything.”
Robinson graduated high school in 2010. One day while practicing at a youth center, a former geometry teacher, who had been awarded Massachusetts Teacher of the Year, showed up and offered a life changing surprise. The teacher had selected Robinson to receive a full-ride scholarship to the University of Phoenix. Grateful for the opportunity, Robinson enrolled as a psychology major, but quickly learned that they were not yet in a place to thrive. “I went in as a psych major and then realized it wasn’t for me. I kind of wasted that opportunity,” they admit. “It was online and I still wasn’t really out of the rough place yet.” When Robinson left school again, they assumed their academic journey was over.
Over the next several years, Robinson poured themself into dance, turning it into a full-fledged career by teaching, competing, judging, and performing across the region. Then the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down. “I felt like I lost my purpose. That was how I felt like I was helping people,” Robinson reflects. During that period of stillness, a new calling emerged. “I remember sitting there one night thinking about the shortage of healthcare workers. I really wanted to help fill that void.” With that, Robinson decided to go back to school, this time with the goal of becoming a doctor.
Robinson enrolled at Bunker Hill Community College, later transferring to UMass Boston. Through an advisor, they learned about the Alray Scholars Program and applied. “The financial support was huge,” Robinson says. “I didn’t have to stress as much about bills or whether I could register for classes.” What ultimately shaped their experience most was the mentorship they received. Matched with Alray mentor Joshua Litterio, Robinson initially assumed the relationship might be perfunctory. Quickly Robinson realized that was not the case, as Josh showed up consistently and provided support in the moments it was needed the most.
During their junior year, Robinson’s mother’s cancer worsened and she eventually entered hospice. When she passed away, Robinson withdrew from the semester. At the same time, they had been interning in Josh’s research lab and worried about letting him down. “Josh was just… human with me,” Robinson recalls. “He treated me like a friend. He understood that I wasn’t at my best. I felt supported in a way I didn’t expect—that meant more than anything.”
Despite the setback, Robinson’s hard work in earlier semesters kept them on pace to graduate on time. They excelled academically as a biology major, a choice made with the goal of medical school in mind. Robinson found joy and support after their mom passed, finding community once again in breakdancing with the UMass Boston Breaking Club. The team went all in, traveling, training, and competing together. The team even made it all the way to the national collegiate break dancing competition and won, a moment Robinson looks back on with pride.
Earning a bachelor’s degree shifted something both professionally and personally for Robinson. “No one else in my family graduated. Even though I feel like I’m years late in doing so, just making it through means a lot,” they say. “There was always a part of me that felt less than because I hadn’t finished college. Now I’m not afraid to apply to certain jobs. I feel more qualified, like people can trust me if I give advice in biology.” Robinson keeps their diploma hung on the wall as a reminder of what’s possible. “It reminds me that if I want to be a good physician, I have to keep learning.”
In addition to investing in their own future, Robinson is giving back to Alray. They now serve on Alray’s Alumni Council, through which they’ve reviewed scholar applications with the Applications Committee and participated in interviews to help spread the word about Alray Scholars. They even applied to become a mentor, hoping to support a scholar in the same way Josh supported them. “I came into the program for financial support, but I’m sticking around because the mission means something to me. I believe in second chances. I believe in people taking a different route through life and needing help, and giving back where they can.”
Robinson’s story was captured and written by Julianne Stein.