I was fortunate to be one of the first Catch a Break! scholarship recipients. My sponsors, as well as being great advisors, mentors and friends, are the epitome of generosity, humility and kindness. Although it’s daunting when I first looked at the scholarship application, I realized that it was my stories that made me stand out from other applicants. Therefore, don’t be discouraged if you don’t have the best grades in the world because the scholarship committee wants to know you and your personal stories more than anything.

One of the most unique experiences I have gotten from this scholarship is that the sponsors genuinely care about me, my stories, and my journey to pursue a higher education. This is something I have never gotten from other scholarships and I am incredibly grateful and honored for the award as well as our wonderful relationship. Their dedication in helping me and my fellow scholars to make sure we can graduate college debt-free empower me to understand that I will make a difference in this world by just doing exactly what they have done: paying it forward to others.