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TESTIMONIALS
Manuela Marin
Freshman, Journalism
Colombian
Participant testimonial
"As the oldest child to Colombian immigrants, I did not have anyone in my family to ask for advice when it came to college. The most confusing part about the entire process was financial aid. I did not understand how the amount of help was calculated, and I was stressed about paying for college. I was thinking about going to a community college and eventually moving to a university. I went to Geovana and asked her about her experience with paying for college. She explained the process and helped me fill out my FAFSA. I did not know all the scholarship opportunities that I had. I really appreciated her help. Without her, I would have immensely struggled with the application and the financial side of college."
Dania Castellon
Senior, B.A Psychology & English Major
Honduras, moved to the U.S at six years old.
"As a Daca recipient, I know the struggle of trying to reach your goals but not having the financial means to achieve them. I was frustrated because my GPA was amazing, my academic history was impeccable, and my will to work hard was there. I simply lacked the resources. I went through so many ups and downs to get to where I am now. When I heard about the financial aid that Spartanburg Methodist was offering, I was doubtful that I was going to qualify because of my situation. When I was given a push by a dear friend, I discovered that my legal status is not something that I should hide or be ashamed of. It is a part of me that defines my strength to keep pushing. I was lacking knowledge in what resources were out there to help me and not judge me. I am now a senior here at SMC finishing with a Bachelors of Arts with a concentration in Psychology and English. There is help out there you just have to be willing to search. Please know that you’re not alone."
Isbela Barrientos
Freshman, Assoc. Criminal Justice
Born in Honduras, moved to the U.S at eleven years old.
"One of the struggles I faced after moving to a new country was fitting in, and staying positive when I knew I lacked the resources to become who I wanted to be. During high school I would hear many negative comments on how I was never going to be able to attend college or either afford it, because I wasn’t born here. I didn’t have my documents figured out and without them, I couldn’t apply to colleges or receive scholarships. There were long nights when I felt like giving up, but I never did. I always pushed myself forward and believed in how capable I was to do anything. I applied to many colleges and received various offers, due to my situation I couldn’t afford them, or they couldn’t accept me. I was going to give up after getting bad news constantly, but I applied to SMC and this college opened every door for me. Now, I'm enrolled and studying my dream career. I would like to tell the kids who believe it’s not possible, to don't give up. Do all the research you can, and stay positive even when every door closes. There is always a light you can follow that will lead you where you want to be. Follow your dreams even if others bring you down because of where you come from."
Kelisha Rodriguez
Senior, BS in Paralegal Studies
Born in the USA, Mexican parents.
"As a first generation student in a Hispanic household I struggled a lot after high school on trying to figure out where I wanted to go to college and how I was going to pay for college. My plans after high school were to attend a four year university, but that did not happen. I was not able to attend the university I wanted because neither my parents nor I had the financial means to pay for college and even with financial aid it was still a lot. Right after high school in 2015, I attended Greenville Technical College. I was pursuing a nursing degree. Sadly, I dropped out about two semesters in because I was struggling with my science classes. Since I was the first one in my family to go to college I did not know how to ask for help or where to even go for help. After dropping out of college, I began the workforce. I worked as a receptionist in a law firm. I became pregnant in 2017 and I decided that I wanted to go back to school so that I could have a career and provide for my daughter. I returned to GTC and in 2020 I received my associates degree in paralegal studies. One thing I learned this time around is to not be afraid to ask for help. There are people in our community with resources for us, we have many opportunities not only in one field. I am now attending Lander University and will be graduating in the summer with a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies. College is not easy by any means but it is worth it when you receive your degree. Also, you can start whenever, it is never too late! So if you have been wanting to go back to college this is your sign! A College Path Para Todos can help you to find a path"
Jamilet Orozco
SMC Assoc. Graduate in 2022
Born in Mexico, moved to the U.S at fifteen years old.
"I started high school not knowing a word of English but managed to learn it in 2 years. The idea of college was not a real thing around my family, nobody in my family ever had made it to college or even high school so my hopes of going were non existent but thanks to a couple teachers and coach in high school who saw some potential in me and helped me through the whole process I was able to get accepted in college. SMC was very easy and helpful during the admission process. They offered financial help for undocumented students and I found out about it so I decided to contact some of my friends because I couldn’t enjoy that benefit by myself knowing that there was other great young people out there wanting to go to college but weren’t able to because of financial difficulties or just now knowing that they could apply not being citizens. This project is a great tool for young people to find their opportunities. Don't allow wrong beliefs to prevent you from trying. I would like to invite you to get in touch and receive assistance! "
Karolin Miranda
Senior, Major in Biology (Pre-med) Minor in Business
Born in the USA, Nicaraguan parents.
"Being a first generation student, there are a lot of challenges you have to face. Whether that be a language barrier, studying skills, or overcoming your own anxiety/traumas. Aside from school, there are also family events and issues going on all around. It’s hard because we have never faced any of these insistence. Sadly, the Latinx community have many wrong beliefs and lack of information, which pulls many kids away from their dreams. Although there was difficult times, many of my encounters have made me the resilient independent women I am today. I had to learn to talk to others above me, seek advice, and find mentors who wanted to the best for me. I had plenty of people tell me I wasn’t good enough to be in the medical field and so many people tell me no. Let those “no’s” and naysayers come through your life because they will help you build yourself up to become better. Instead of thinking it’s a bad thing people say no to your dreams, show them you can make them come true. Now I am about to graduate from USC Upstate with a bachelors in Biology (pre-med) with a minor in business entrepreneurship and in the summer starting my Masters program at Furman University. Never give up on yourself because you are worth more than anyone says."
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