🎓 Excited to share my journey to higher education! 🚀
In the fall of 2011, my path to higher education began, but it was far from typical. As an undocumented student, I faced numerous hurdles that added layers of complexity to my college experience. It was a journey marked by challenges, hope, and resilience.
Back in 2012, financial aid for undocumented students was practically non-existent. However, in 2013, Assembly Bill 131 came into effect, opening doors for undocumented AB 540 students like me to access private financial aid totaling approximately $88 million in scholarships and grants. Additionally, AB 130 empowered colleges and universities to award institutional scholarships to qualified undocumented students under AB 540.
Simultaneously, DACA, initiated in 2012, offered temporary lawful status to young unauthorized immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. This policy shift infused hope into the hearts of many Dreamers, myself included, reigniting the possibility of immigration reform or amnesty.
Yet, despite these glimmers of hope, navigating the higher education system remained a daunting task. The system wasn't designed for individuals like me—those juggling full-time work, family responsibilities, and the challenges of being a first-generation college student with limited resources.
Fast forward to 2018, and Rivet School emerged as a beacon of hope. Their commitment to student success, personalized support, and flexibility in earning a Bachelor's degree renewed my confidence. Rivet not only helped me achieve my Bachelor's degree after a decade of perseverance but also opened doors to further opportunities.
Through Rivet School, I discovered Presidio Graduate School, where I secured another scholarship, unlocking the possibility of pursuing not one but two master's degrees. This opportunity is beyond what I ever imagined, and it's a testament to the transformative impact of organizations Rivet and Presidio.
Soon, I'll proudly become the first member of my family with two master's degrees, a milestone made possible by the unwavering support and opportunities provided by these incredible institutions.
#HigherEducation #UndocumentedStudents #Dreamers #RivetSchool #PresidioGraduateSchool #TransformativeEducation
📣 New Blog Post! 📣
Presidio proudly announced our first Rivet Scholar in Fall 2023. The Rivet School is a Bay Area-nonprofit that supports traditionally underserved students in their pursuit of a college degree. As part of Presidio’s commitment to social justice and DEI, we partnered with the Rivet School to enable their alumni to attend Presidio with a significant scholarship.
Our first Rivet Scholar, Sarahi Romero-Suarez, joined us recently for a conversation about her background and what attending Presidio means to her.
Dive into Sarahi’s inspiring journey - read the blog post here: https://lnkd.in/gbG7JaBm
Senior Director, Talent Acquisition at Global Strategy Group, leading talent acquisition efforts.
3moWe are thrilled to have you on the team!