Dream Project Mentor 2011-2015
WHAT IS THE DREAM PROJECT?
The Dream Project is a student initiated college access and retention program that partners UW students with first-generation and low-income students in Seattle high schools to assist in the college admissions process (SAT prep, applications, writing essays, applying for financial aid, and seeking out scholarships). |
WHAT DOES THE DREAM PROJECT MEAN TO ME?
Imagine a school with a graduating class of less than 200; a place whose name made headlines when a teen was shot to death in 2007. Imagine a place where disadvantaged minorities dominate the student body and where more than half the students qualify for free or reduced lunch. This was my high school.
Throughout the years I watched as extracurricular, art, and language programs were cut. My classmates and I printed our worksheets at home because the school could not provide ink and paper for everyone. We were so underfunded that the district was almost forced to shut down the high school during my senior year.
Despite these drawbacks, I graduated as a 4.0 student and International Baccalaureate Diploma Recipient. I was accepted into the University of Washington's Honors program and received $10,000 in private scholarships on top of financial aid to fund my undergraduate education. I owe my accomplishments to the mentors and teachers who encouraged me to reach for the stars.
That is why I am so passionate about being a Dream Project Mentor. Every student has the potential to achieve their goals with enough encouragement and the right guidance. I have used my story to inspire others to dream big, regardless of the circumstances they are in or the obstacles they may face.
Imagine a school with a graduating class of less than 200; a place whose name made headlines when a teen was shot to death in 2007. Imagine a place where disadvantaged minorities dominate the student body and where more than half the students qualify for free or reduced lunch. This was my high school.
Throughout the years I watched as extracurricular, art, and language programs were cut. My classmates and I printed our worksheets at home because the school could not provide ink and paper for everyone. We were so underfunded that the district was almost forced to shut down the high school during my senior year.
Despite these drawbacks, I graduated as a 4.0 student and International Baccalaureate Diploma Recipient. I was accepted into the University of Washington's Honors program and received $10,000 in private scholarships on top of financial aid to fund my undergraduate education. I owe my accomplishments to the mentors and teachers who encouraged me to reach for the stars.
That is why I am so passionate about being a Dream Project Mentor. Every student has the potential to achieve their goals with enough encouragement and the right guidance. I have used my story to inspire others to dream big, regardless of the circumstances they are in or the obstacles they may face.