Stories
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Student
Jenessa
"Because I was always a high-achieving student, the idea of not going to college never crossed my mind. The big question was how to pay for it. I knew I could go to college, but I was not sure if I could afford to attend my dream school without going into debt."
Supporter
Howard
“The more kids we have reaching their academic potential, feeling a stake in society, the better off we'll be as a country overall."
Student
Shirly
"College is challenging me and pushing me to see things from a different perspective, and I am proud of how much I am growing."
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Student
Alexandra
My advisor helped me make sense of college costs. When I received my award letters, she broke down the numbers and information so I could visualize exactly how much each school would cost and make the best decision. I could not have done it alone."
Advisor
Destiny
"After being an advisor for almost three years, finding ways to connect and relate to each student is still my favorite part of the job."
Student
Khymani
"uAspire has been extremely gracious, caring, and generous. I hope that many students in the future have the opportunity to have a uAspire advisor."
Student
Maham
Working with my uAspire advisor throughout the year made me feel more at peace. I could focus on the good things college offers and not stress about tuition.
Supporter
May
"The pathway to a college degree is rarely straight, and it’s amazing what students can do when they have a supportive advisor by their side focused on their success throughout their journey."
Student
DJuan
"College has taught me that you can't let your past keep you from finding your future pathway."
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Student
Michelle
"uAspire is important in communities like mine in Oakland where a lot of kids don't know where to start. Advisors give students the tools to reach opportunities that they couldn't imagine reaching alone."
Advisor
Moses
"It's cool to watch students overcome their doubts and obstacles to thrive in college. This is why we're here – to guide and support students on their unique journeys toward success."
Student
Jingyi
"Working with my advisor gives me relief to know somebody is helping me and that I have someone to go to with questions."
Student
Jean
"We completed the entire FAFSA in one session. It was so helpful and took a huge weight off my shoulders. After that first session, I messaged Alayna every time I had a question."
Student
Lani
"Having people dedicated to your success is very comforting, to know that someone's out there listening to your concerns and ready to help."
Advisor
Jameiley
"Providing students with real solutions that eliminate the barriers that keep them from moving forward is one of the biggest perks of working for uAspire."
Student
Nahed
"Working with my uAspire advisor made me more motivated. I was put in a position where I wouldn't succeed and my advisors helped me change that."
Student
Gleidson
"Now I'm able to pursue my dream. As I prepare to take this next step, it’s a comfort having uAspire there to help me along the way and keep me on track."
Student
Zamira
"Being a first-generation student is a lot of pressure, but I look forward to having a louder voice in the world. My goal is to have degrees so I'll be able to speak and people will listen and take me seriously."
Student
Edward
"It is a great resource and a lot of help because it is super convenient—the advisors just send me text messages on my phone."
Student
Sarah
"I feel prepared and confident about continuing school because I know I have help. Being able to pursue my education means so much to me."
Advisor
Eston
"College affordability has become a passion of mine, and every day, I feel so fulfilled in my role as an advisor. I see students face many challenges, and the financial aid systems are not easy to navigate."
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Supporter
Jonathan
"My philanthropic efforts aim to bridge the social gap in education, and uAspire provides the platform and support needed to make a real impact."
Student
Dakota
"It's not just about paying for college. It's trying to help my mom or buying books, transportation, and it all adds up."
Supporter
Simone
"Being a first-gen graduate signifies progress for me and my family.".
Advisor
Carmella
"When I went through the financial aid process as a student I think a major thing that I learned is that it just wasn't built for people like me."
Student
Melvin
"I’m glad to take my experience as a first-gen college student and apply it to other students who need help today."
Student
April
"Students need to have these conversations with someone who can give them the knowledge and tools to succeed. These are difficult decisions. It's a lot of money and time on the line."
Student
Jay
"There are countless students experiencing similar challenges. The paths may be different, but the toilsome process is the same."
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Advisor
Victoria
"It was important to meet students where they were at and trying to see, “Hey, is your mental health okay? How are you adjusting to everything that’s happening?”
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Student
Myiesha
"I wanted to go to college because I want to create financial stability for myself and my family. But, my experience with the college application process was very tedious."
Advisor
Redjan
"We had to be proactive, compiling information about the CARES Act and emergency funding, and disseminating it to students ASAP."
Supporter
Jeannie & Jonathan Lavine
"We know that intellect is not distributed based on income, and neither should education."
Student
Kamaiya
"Even if I didn’t see Jasmine one week while she was at my school, she would still text me to make sure I got the forms I was waiting for, make sure I submitted them, and that everything was going ok."
Student
Dario
"After moving to the United States my parents quickly realized that a college degree was necessary for young people to unlock economic opportunity. It was decided that college would be the goal for my siblings and me.
Advisor
Melina
"Institutions were chaotic so we couldn’t rely on them for guidance. It was a very, very confusing time for students, for everyone really."
Student
Tannah
"Even as I was transferring to different schools, uAspire was still there reaching out with scholarship opportunities and asking, 'Hey, do you need financial help?'"
Advisor
Jasmine
"My job is to give students the resources they need to make a financially sound college choice, and to inspire them to reach higher and advocate for themselves."
Advisor
Melissa
"Being a first-generation college student has helped me understand the challenges faced by the young people I advise."
Student
Toiell
"College is expensive. People have this idea that financial aid is going to cover everything, and it’s not."
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Advisor
Breanna
"All students need to feel that they have someone who is behind them and committed to their success."
Student
Juan
"The college process caught me off guard, but I have uAspire and my college counselor."
Advisor
Yue
"It is so meaningful to me to advise students at my alma mater. I get to give back to the school that gave me so much."
Student
Geraldine
"I had to be responsible for figuring out how to finance my education. My advisor gave me the information and resources to do that."
Student
Dejah
"I’m helping others because I went to school and learned something that I’m passionate about."
Advisor
Richard
"I strive to be a steady presence for my students—pushing them when they need to be pushed, encouraging them when they need encouragement."