COLLEGE SCHOLARS PROGRAM ’98 | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ’06, ’12
Growing up, I was the type of student who was always in honors classes. Oftentimes, my teachers had to think of creative ways to prevent me from getting bored in class. I was the unofficial teacher’s aide, a tutor for my classmates, and sometimes I’d help prep the lessons with the teachers. My teachers recommended every year that I skip a grade because I was too advanced, but my parents were afraid that I’d get bullied and/or would feel lost amongst older students.
When I was a junior in high school, my school guidance counselor introduced me to SEEDS and voluntold me to apply. What teenager wants to willingly apply to a program that would take away summer vacation and Saturdays? I often think back to that moment and am so grateful that she advocated for me, even against my will. She explained the opportunity to my parents, helped them understand how I needed to be academically challenged, and that SEEDS would fill that gap for me. In so many ways, she was the first of many guardian angels in my life.
To be honest, neither my parents nor I were sure why I should be in SEEDS. My parents were always looking for ways to help me succeed, and so when they learned about the program, they saw it as an opportunity for me. We didn’t know then just how impactful this program would be for my personal and professional accomplishments, but it was important for all of us to give SEEDS a shot.
As a SEEDS scholar, I learned that the world is much larger than the bubble I belonged in and that I should always look for what other adventures await me. SEEDS exposed me to higher education, travel, and other cultural experiences. Because of SEEDS, I don’t say no to opportunities without first understanding what I’m turning down. Because of SEEDS, I say yes even when I’m scared of the outcomes.
SEEDS opened my eyes to all the educational opportunities that were out there, including private, independent schools. I saw how much my parents and grandparents sacrificed to come to the US for us to prosper, and I wanted to make them proud. I knew that an independent school education would better prepare me for college and would make the dream a possibility. Little did I know that not only would it help me get to college, but it would also expose me to colleges I never even knew existed. I wouldn’t have it to the University of Southern California without this experience.
Yet, coming from a public school setting, it was very tough for me to adjust to an independent school environment. I was in complete culture shock and felt like such an outsider. I was used to being the top student in a class with others in my community but suddenly I was just one of many students, none of whom looked like me or shared my lived experiences. How could I explain to students that I couldn’t afford to buy fancy supplies for a school project because we didn’t have money for that? How could I explain to my classmates why I couldn’t go to their slumber parties because my parents wouldn’t allow that? I missed being amongst others who understood me. Thankfully, Mr. Miguel Brito didn’t let me quit and stood by me to make sure I graduated.
Without SEEDS, I wouldn’t be as successful as I am now. SEEDS truly was the root of all the wonderful things life has given me. I would NEVER have qualified or even known about USC without the network I had access to through my independent school. I would never have moved across the country to start my adult life and get to know a version of me I didn’t know existed. Thanks to SEEDS, I know firsthand the value of the nonprofit industry and have dedicated my career to supporting its continued growth and success. Thanks to SEEDS, I know the value of mentors and am committed to making the same impact on others as my mentors have done for me. SEEDS helped me grow and flourish in a way I never could have imagined, and I will always be grateful to this community.
To all the students who now follow in my Take advantage of this moment. SEEDS isn’t just a 2-year program. It’s a network that stays with you for life. If you’re ever feeling lost, confused, scared, or even unmotivated, reach out to your alumni network. We were you a couple of years ago and we can attest that your hard work will pay off!