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Angelica's Story

 

Name changed to protect the individual.

“When you’re undocumented, you feel stuck.  I wanted more than what was in front of me.” 

Armed with her High School diploma, Angelica refused to let obstacles in her way. Graduated from Pathways and with the continued support of the teachers Angelica has successfully completed Associates Degree majoring in Business.  

It began when she was helping her sisters’ sign up for Pathways for ESOL when she saw information about college prep and work readiness; thinking of her future as well as her disabled child she decided to enter the program for herself.

“You have to be dedicated and work hard.  Anything can be overcome.”  

In time teachers quickly realized that this young lady was ready for college and began assisting her with the college application process which brought Endicott College as her next venture.  

Being undocumented did not allow her to receive financial aid assistance this was yet another obstacle that Pathways helped her prevail. Funds were raised and she had the opportunity to attend one class and the rest is history.

Now she is working, studying, paying for school on her own and closer to reaching her goal of a Bachelor’s Degree.   With the continued support, feedback, tutoring this Pathways Alumni student continues to excel.  

“With so many hurdles I could have gave up but Pathways was behind me and encouraged me to believe in myself.”

I asked her where she sees herself in the future and of her inspirations, “I am thinking of possibly opening a non-profit organization for parents with disabled children to help parents begin or finish with their education. When raising disabled children parents often focus so much on the child they forget about themselves. I owe where I am now to Pathways.”