A Whole New World
"College was never discussed in my family. My parents have only an elementary school education. So when I got to high school and heard the counselors talking about it, college was a whole new idea to me. I needed all the help I could get, because I wanted to go somewhere where I could learn to be independent and have a challenging college experience, and I had no idea how to start. One of my teachers recommended me to Bright Prospect, who helped me all the way through the process.
I must have applied to more than a dozen really wonderful colleges. So many forms to fill out! So much money for SATs and application fees! Bright Prospect made it all possible. This fall, I’ll be a freshman at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania studying engineering or mathematics. Swarthmore is a long way from home, and deciding to go there was a hard decision to make. I’ve never been away from my family for more than three days. But my mom said, Whatever makes you happy, and wherever you want to go, just go for it. I couldn’t have gotten where I am today without Bright Prospect. They opened up a whole new world for me."
Criselda Haro
Bright Prospect Scholar and Swarthmore College Class of 2007
A Perfect Fit
"I live with my mom and my younger sister. My mom is unemployed, and we’re really struggling to get by. My dream has always been to go to college, and I hoped I would be able to attend a big public university near my home. But Bright Prospect challenged me to consider an out-of-state college. Before Bright Prospect, I had no idea I might qualify for a full scholarship to a highly selective liberal-arts college, where I could get the best possible undergraduate education. But Bright Prospect opened my eyes and challenged me to aim high.
This fall, I will attend Smith College in Massachusetts with full financial aid. Through Bright Prospect, I was able to apply to a number of colleges, and even visit some of them. I discovered that Smith is a perfect fit for me. Not only will I receive a great education, but because of my background and experiences, I can contribute so much. The people at Bright Prospect gave me this valuable confidence. They genuinely want to help me to succeed. Sometimes I forget they’re my mentors, because they’ve become my friends."
Monica Godinez
Bright Prospect Scholar and Smith College Class of 2007
We Are So Proud
"I brought my wife and four children to the United States 16 years ago from Guadalajara, Mexico. My wife is a high school graduate, but I quit school after the fourth grade. I am a gardener by trade, and I don’t earn a lot of money. We never thought college would be an option for our children. Our eldest daughter, Miriam, has always been first in her class at school. One day, her counselor told her about Bright Prospect, and she was selected for the program. After meeting with the Bright Prospect staff, we encouraged her to take advantage of this program.
The college application process is complicated, and the people at Bright Prospect spent a lot of time helping Miriam with all the paperwork. They even helped her visit her favorite campuses. This fall, Miriam is going to Pomona College on a full scholarship to study journalism. My wife and I still can’t believe that this is actually happening for our daughter. We are so proud of her. I don’t think this opportunity would have come her way without Bright Prospect."
Diego Aguirre
Parent of a Bright Prospect Scholar
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