Center for Student Opportunity’s scholarship has helped allow me to attend Pomona, my top choice after visiting the campus three years ago. Since I was little, my mom reiterated that I would have to get a scholarship to go to college; education was pushed in our home, but we weren’t able to start a college savings account or put a little away for my post-high school plans.
As a first-generation student, the college process itself was foreboding and confusing. At first, I thought financial aid and scholarships occurred simultaneously with admissions. “Scholarship opportunity” sounded great, but held little relevance in my mind. It was only after I visited Pomona with the MSAP Program and met so many Faculty and students that I started extensively reading pamphlets and brochures about monetary aid that might help me be able to make the college a reality. The financial aid packet from the school mentioned that a high percentage of students received assistance, but the numbers still didn’t look promising; I couldn’t imagine being able to afford attending a school that cost more than $50K a year. Yet, here I am, and I will graduate debt-free and be able to pursue graduate school.
For first-generation students or low-income students, I think it’s so important to get the message out about applying to scholarships, especially those like CSO who strive to help first-generation, low-income students. I’ve received an amazing education at this college, and that has only been possible through the financial aid and scholarships. Pomona College has allowed me to fulfill dreams that seemed unattainable, and the ability to have those motivations and opportunities become a reality after receiving my congratulations letter from CSO!
Please donate to Center for Student Opportunity this holiday season and help underserved, first-generation college-bound students in their pursuit of college.
