Visiting and Affording Harvard
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On December 10, 2015 my dream of one day attending Harvard University became a reality. I was admitted to Harvard and will be attending this upcoming fall with the majority of my tuition and housing paid by the university. I plan to major in government and I am interested in pursuing a career in the field of law with an emphasis in human and civil rights.
As an undocumented, low income, first generation student getting into Harvard seem unreachable. While Harvard was always a consistent dream, it especially seemed impossible when I was diagnosed my sophomore year with complex migraines. I presented symptoms of a stroke and I couldn't even pick up a pencil to scribble out the alphabet. I was able to overcome my medical issues while still maintaining my academic grades and extracurricular activities.
Due my immigration status, I cannot partake in a work study program like many of my peers. My student contribution is $3,000, this amount is not manageable by my family and we have no idea how will raise the money, especially when considering the many other personal expenses that they will incur like my flights to and from college. My biological father is unwilling to help in any way, including providing me with paperwork stating he is not contributing. His income will also be taken into consideration unless I can explain my situation to the financial aid office.
Being admitted to Harvard is only a small portion of the journey, I plan to excel and graduate from college. I think a visit to Harvard will really help me understand how I will do that. My plan is to stay in Cambridge for about a week and become familiar with the campus. I would like to have lunch in Annenberg (the freshman dinning hall) and talk to students who have a similar background to my own. I would also love to speak with admissions office about the details of my admission and school life. I want to see what support systems Harvard has in place that will aid my success. In addition, I plan to visit and thank the admission officers who were my core cheerleaders during the application process. In order to do this I must visit!
I would really appreciate any and all donations, the funds will not only help me visit Harvard's campus but also help me meet my student contribution.
Thank you! ❤
I leave you with a quote I received from my interviewer stating that "an extraordinary school thinks you're an extraordinary person".
As an undocumented, low income, first generation student getting into Harvard seem unreachable. While Harvard was always a consistent dream, it especially seemed impossible when I was diagnosed my sophomore year with complex migraines. I presented symptoms of a stroke and I couldn't even pick up a pencil to scribble out the alphabet. I was able to overcome my medical issues while still maintaining my academic grades and extracurricular activities.
Due my immigration status, I cannot partake in a work study program like many of my peers. My student contribution is $3,000, this amount is not manageable by my family and we have no idea how will raise the money, especially when considering the many other personal expenses that they will incur like my flights to and from college. My biological father is unwilling to help in any way, including providing me with paperwork stating he is not contributing. His income will also be taken into consideration unless I can explain my situation to the financial aid office.
Being admitted to Harvard is only a small portion of the journey, I plan to excel and graduate from college. I think a visit to Harvard will really help me understand how I will do that. My plan is to stay in Cambridge for about a week and become familiar with the campus. I would like to have lunch in Annenberg (the freshman dinning hall) and talk to students who have a similar background to my own. I would also love to speak with admissions office about the details of my admission and school life. I want to see what support systems Harvard has in place that will aid my success. In addition, I plan to visit and thank the admission officers who were my core cheerleaders during the application process. In order to do this I must visit!
I would really appreciate any and all donations, the funds will not only help me visit Harvard's campus but also help me meet my student contribution.
Thank you! ❤
I leave you with a quote I received from my interviewer stating that "an extraordinary school thinks you're an extraordinary person".Organizer and beneficiary
Rosa Vazquez
Organizer
Santa Ana, CA
Karina Guillen
Beneficiary