Jesus

The Communications Fellow works closely with the Communications team to nurture our online platforms as hubs of resources and guidance for immigrant youth in AZ. The communication fellow focuses on graphic design and resource sharing.  

My high school journey began full of hope, eager to begin working towards my diploma. I felt invincible and inspired to demonstrate what my capabilities in school consisted of; however, the closer I got to my senior year the more evident it had become that most Undocumented student’s efforts go unacknowledged. Graduation became more of a deadline to achieve everything possible to stand out and become an interest to colleges and universities. Most of my time roaming around counselor’s offices came with an unanswerable question, “I want to go to college and get a degree, as an Undocumented student how can I get there”? 

In most cases, no aid was given but a sheet of short untrustworthy sources of scholarships out there that gave zero direction towards my goal; however, my junior and senior year aid at school changed drastically as a new counselor Danielle Khambholja began an “Existimos” group where students with the same immigration difficulties were finally given attention and prioritized to find resources to continue their education. 

Close to my senior year, I was introduced to ScholarshipsAZ and discovered what their mission was and as a student struggling to find opportunities I realized that their efforts would provide aid to support undocumented youth reach their goals. After being a part of the ISH program and participating in multiple sessions, I discovered the power of storytelling and how each participant shared similar struggles growing up, finding scholarships, and living as an immigrant in the US.

Participating in the ISH program from ScholarshipsA-Z benefited me in many ways. I was frustrated and overwhelmed with what the future would look like but thankfully they guided me through their program. Alongside Danielle, I have continued my education goals. I feel fortunate to be the first generation in my family to reach a University education and in the upcoming months be the first generation to get a degree from a university in the United States. 

Now as I near my graduation date and with all the eagerness of what my next step towards my career is I chose to come back and become a member of the team, and look forward to helping ScholarshipAZ expand and help more communities and students with immigration difficulties reach their full potential and accomplish their educational and organizational goals. I was helped by them in many ways and now it has become my mission to give back and help other students that are struggling just like I struggled back in high school when I began applying to Universities and scholarships to continue my education.