They say that after every storm comes the sun.

For much of my life, I felt trapped in a constant storm, and when I arrived at Illinois, I questioned whether the sunshine I found was truly real. Even now, sometimes I wonder, “Is the sun that is shining in my life now truly here to stay?”

As a first-generation college student, I had no map to escape the storm—only the guidance of high school counselors and teachers, and even with their assistance, I often felt like I was being pushed off their safety raft by the constant reminders that it was unlikely for me to get into the University of Illinois. Even some of my closest friends said the same thing.

My application to this university became my desperate attempt to reach for an anchor, something to keep me from being pulled further into the chaos. Submitting that application was my first step towards finding calm weather. 

I was admitted, but as decision day approached, I lost more and more faith that I would receive the support that I would need. My family had made it clear: if you go to college, you do it on your own. That was nothing new.  I was used to carrying my own weight but hearing them agree that I might not succeed made it even harder to hold on to my only lifeline.

Then, the impossible happened. I received the I-Promise scholarship.

For the first time, I wasn’t just treading water; I had reached a place where the storm finally felt lighter. The scholarship became more than just financial aid—it was the unexpected lifeline that kept me from drowning. And for someone who had started to lose faith in the existence of sunlight, that meant everything.

I am now a sociology major with a double minor in criminology and child health and well-being.

From time to time, the strong winds of my past still try to push me back into the center of the storm…and my journey has been anything but smooth sailing. But traveling into the unknown, after only knowing hazardous conditions, makes hope even more meaningful.
 
My dream is to work with families and children through DCFS, making sure they never have to weather their storms alone.  I plan to pursue a master’s degree in social work so that I can advocate for communities, emphasizing the importance of the environments we create and the resources we provide.

Because no matter how unexpected, even the smallest glimpse of light can make a difference.

I want to help others realize what I have learned here at the University of Illinois and especially as an Illinois Promise Scholar: that the sun is real, and with enough hope and support, the center of the storm will never be as close as it once was.

The only heavy waters should be from the tears in your eyes when you finally understand: You are worthy of more than where you came from.

Thank you, Illinois Promise.  

Thank you, University of Illinois.

You have changed yet another life for the better.