Fabiola Salazar (UCCSP '09)

"I am a first generation Hispanic college student. I attended Whitney Young and currently I am a freshman at the University of Chicago."

"Struggling with the English language, assimilating a new culture, searching for opportunities, working hard, and never giving up are all in my life experiences. For me, the Collegiate Scholars Program created fun, dynamic, cultural events, but at the same time it provided me with eye-opening events about career choices and college. Learning the steps to an Aztec dance or African dance and an open mic event are a few of the sessions that I attended while in the Collegiate Scholars."

Career Exploration

"At the same time, UCCSP never forgot about providing its students with career exploration. Through these events as a high school student, I was networking and already doing what many college students do in their third or fourth years of college. With each coming career roundtable that I attended, it seemed more and more possible for me to achieve my dreams of being a female Hispanic executive. The professionals came from all walks of life, but they had one thing in common: they had all overcome obstacles to be the accountants, executives, lawyer, alderman, engineers that in the present day they were. The program also provided guidance throughout the college process. I went to events like “Completing the Application” and “College Bootcamp” where I received tips on how to write a great college essay and information about what is a perfect match for college."

Reaching Out to Students

"Because of all of the things that I have mentioned and many more, I have been able to surpass expectations. Today I continue to be involved with the program because I want to reach out to students who in one way or another were just like me. My involvement with the program is because I believe in it, especially since I experienced it firsthand and I have seen how it has transformed the lives of many high school students."