I really want to become a dentist. Achieving this might take a very long time, but if I put in the effort I will be able to become a dentist one day. A few years ago my mom suffered from breast cancer. This situation left my family in a lot of debt to the hospital, and my brother stopped going…
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Meet Mariel ’19, SLI scholar
Pre-physical therapy I’ve been part of the SLI program since I was a freshman in high school. In fall 2019, I started my education at my university as a freshman, majoring in exercise science with a concentration in biology. I’m now in my senior year, and during my journey as a first-generation student, I’ve been able to learn and grow…
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College update: Constanza ’19, SLI scholar
Psychology, Criminology I’m in my last year of college and this achievement comes from my perseverance and from all the people who have helped me through this amazing experience. As a college student I have learned to not underestimate myself and to see the wonderful things I’m capable of. Being an immigrant student is hard enough, and being a first-generation…
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Meet Thiago ’25, SLI scholar
SLI for me..bundles you up with wisdom. The program is great and provides an enrichment of knowledge and opportunities, some of which would have been unimaginable coming from a first-generation Mexican household. There is a lot to gain from this amazing program, they prepare you to get into college as well as to know how to survive within college, never…
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Meet Julia ’19, SLI scholar
Communication media, Spanish, Cinematography Three years ago I was a girl with many ambitions and visions in mind. Today I am just months away from achieving that beloved goal that many of us set for ourselves but not all of us have the opportunity or the discipline to finish: to have a university degree, to have a different future from…
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College update: Maria ’21, SLI scholar
Political science/pre-law College comes with many challenges and opportunities and also many experiences. I have learned many things in college, but the most important is that our actions determine our results, and that the future we create depends upon the choices and actions we take today. I am thankful for all the help I have received from SLI. Everyone has…
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SLI announces inaugural managing director
As it celebrates its first decade as a Virginia nonprofit, Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has announced the appointment of Stephania Cervantes as its inaugural managing director. Cervantes will promote and execute SLI’s mission to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. Through collaborations with public school teachers and local…
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College update: Daniela ’22, SLI scholar
Going to a university is the way to prepare me intellectually and socially for my future career. I hope it will help me develop skills and give me experiences that will lead me to find my interests and motivations to become a better version of myself. My dedication and responsibility have always been my forte and have led me to…
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Meet Victoria ’21, SLI scholar
The aid from SLI has helped me tremendously as a first-generation student. I have not had any financial stress as most of my peers do nor have I taken out loans or have used any other money. I get to focus more on my classes without worrying so much about how I am going to pay for next semester’s tuition.…
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Meet Mateo ’21, SLI scholar
My first semester in college was chaotic. Everything was happening really fast. My grandfather had passed away a few months before school started and due to covid restrictions, my family and I were unable to travel. As the start of the school year came closer (less than a month away), we had to go on a rushed trip to Mexico…
