There are so many kids, just like me, first in the family to go to college, looking for ways to afford it. Close friends of mine, who went to the same school as I did, came from low-income families, got into the same schools that I did, attended college and dropped out because they couldn’t afford it. They tell me that they will get jobs and try again, but the same questions come up, “Even if I get in, what do I do for books?” or “What about the burden on my parents?”
The same went for me. I have two younger brothers, one that will soon be a college student himself. My parents are already paying my tuition, to ask for money to buy books or more clothes feels like I’m ungrateful. What about his tuition later on? His books? Room and board? I feel like I’ve failed them, because I know what the situation is, I know my family needs to save money, but I’m still asking for more. CSO helped make college not a distant, fading dream, but a dream within reach. This scholarship gave me the means, the support I needed to get where I wanted to be. The support CSO gave me eased the burden for my parents, making college an actual possibility.
CSO also allowed me the chance to share my experiences with others that are first to go to college. It reminds me of my own questions and problems and how I wanted someone with more experience to give me advice. CSO allows me to reach out to others and if I help even one reader become more relieved about college, then I feel like I’ve done something good and useful with my knowledge. CSO is my link to those that may want that comfort in knowing that they’re not alone. By supporting CSO, others that are first to go to college will be able to get the advice and support they need so that their college dreams are in reach.
Please donate to Center for Student Opportunity this holiday season and help underserved, first-generation college-bound students in their pursuit of college.
