The Center for Student Opportunity Scholarship has affected my life from so many directions. Each semester, the money allows me to buy books and a plane ticket home, guaranteeing that I have the books for classes and get to see my family at least twice a year without stressing about the financial burden of travel.
By blogging for high school students, I’m able to take a step back and reflect on my college experience in a way that’s pressure-free and open to creativity. I’ve connected to some of the Faculty on campus who read my blog, and made jokes about writing a piece on them for my next entry. That actually initiated the first one-on-one conversation I had with our Dean of Admissions!
Serving as a scholar has given me inside knowledge about the opportunities CSO can offer students, which I’ve been spreading the word about to high school students that I mentor at Pomona and back home. During my first year, I met with a staff member who works in Orange County, which provided another source of support and encouragement.
Overall, I’m thankful to be a CSO Opportunity Scholar because it allows me to connect to people from different social settings, which has contributed to my holistic experience at college, and continues to broaden my prospects for future education and career choices!