Fenallely has always been driven by curiosity. Growing up, she imagined herself pursuing higher education, even when she was unsure of which direction to take. “I’ve always been someone who’s very interested in learning,” she shares. As a first-generation student, her...

When Cristian moved from El Salvador to Boston at age 15, he arrived with determination. Though he could have entered 10th grade, he made the intentional choice to repeat half of ninth grade so he could strengthen his English skills. “I thought it would benefit me in...

Samira currently works as a Climate and Culture Coordinator and serves as a volleyball coach at her former high school, Charlestown High in Boston. Having grown up in Charlestown, she experienced firsthand how access, support, and representation can change a student’s...

For Shaquille, earning his degree wasn’t just about career advancement. It was about reclaiming a dream that once felt out of reach. He first started college in 2011, right after graduating from high school. Things were going well until life took a difficult turn....

For Keshia, the drive to help others has always been at the heart of her journey. Long before she stepped into a college classroom, she found herself drawn to nonprofit work, mentoring, and community service. One experience, in particular, shaped her path: after...

When Gina moved back to Boston in 2019, her life was in motion on several tracks at once. She had just earned two associate degrees in California, became a single mother, and was caring for her newborn son, all while figuring out how to restart her own education after...