Tyvelle Dorvil – Class of 2020

I was ecstatic when I was announced as the recipient of the It’s A Start scholarship, but little did I know it would help me in so many ways that I couldn’t even foresee. My academic career has been filled with lots of unprecedented experiences. I expected to spend my first semester of college ever in the classroom. I would soon realize that my whole entire academic first-year would be spent glued down to a seat next to a computer desk in the corner of my room on zoom. Even though I didn’t feel like I was getting a full college experience and felt a little bit down, I knew I couldn’t stop. I motivated myself by re-reading the award letter I was given by It’s A Start and realized I wasn’t given these resources for no reason. It reminded me that I was meant for greatness. Before I knew it I was back on campus. I was so excited to be in a learning atmosphere again.

Ready to continue my path, I began registering for classes. My school implemented a new system with many technical errors which led to a delay in financial aid for a substantial amount of time. This was a devastating time for a lot of people. Having to pay for books and supplies and many other resources out of pocket was a struggle for a lot of people. However, thanks to Its A Start, this wasn’t a worry for me. I am so thankful. Having the resources to fully engage with my college has been so thrilling. It has opened so many new avenues for me. I was even invited to the Black and Brown college Conference which really expanded my horizons. It taught me the world can be my oyster despite the adversity of being a black man in it.

The It’s A Start scholarship is an amazing resource and a stepping stone in my inevitable success and I am so honored to be an It’s A Start scholar. Good luck to anyone applying to colleges this year!

Gillian Sacher-Brown – Class of 2021

Hi! My name is Gillian Sacher-Brown. I am currently a junior at the University of South Florida in Tampa. I am a behavioral healthcare major with a minor in applied behavior analysis. I obtained my Associates degree through dual enrollment while in high school and ended up on the dean’s list my first semester at USF. While I am a full-time student, I also have a part-time job.

Upon receiving my bachelor’s degree, I would like to get into a doctoral program for occupational therapy. In this position, I will be given opportunities to work with many different ages and specialties. However, my main goal is to specialize, and work with children on the Autism/Asperger’s spectrum. Before submitting my application for the program, I hope to accrue between 60-90 hours of volunteer work in various aspects of the field. This is something I have had interest in for about ten years, and I am incredibly excited to finally get a real start on it.

I have some main goals like getting into grad school and maintaining a high GPA. Balancing everything can get a little overwhelming at times, that is only normal. However, I remind myself that the field I plan to go into is something incredibly beneficial not only to me but others as well. Through the years, I have decided this is something I really want to do, which is incredibly important since it is not a position in which I can easily change my mind.

I have been incredibly grateful for It’s a Start Scholarship and the communication I have received from them afterwards. Books have been an added cost to basic tuition and fees and the scholarship has helped me out a lot with paying for them. I have had to buy books for two semesters now, and I still have scholarship money to put towards them next semester as well. Good luck to anyone applying to colleges this year!

Atheena Kuriakose – Class of 2021

Jesus Angelica Larios – Class of 2022

My name is Jesus Angelica Larios. I will be attending Saint Leo University in the fall. I will be majoring in developmental psychology and hope to be an early childhood education specialist.

Throughout high school, I’ve always pushed myself beyond my limits to become the best possible version of myself. I have 6 older siblings, so I kind of have a lot to live up to. I am proud of the person I have become and am thankful for all my support.

Yanira Luna Perez – Class of 2022

Hello, my name is Yanira Luna Perez. I graduated from Pasco High School this year. I’m going to be an incoming freshman at Saint Leo University in the fall. I plan to major in Biomedical Health Sciences and am thinking about pursuing a double major in art. I plan on graduating from Saint Leo with a bachelor’s degree and hopefully get into a medical school.

I am going to try my hardest to take my education as far as I can. My end goal will ultimately be to become a pediatrician. High school is an experience that I will truly remember. I still remember as freshmen we would always say “graduation is only four years away” and here we are. Time really does go by fast so cherish all the moments you have with your peers. Surround yourself with encouraging people, people who will lift your spirit not break it down. I was lucky enough to have amazing friends and family who supported me through everything and were there for me when I needed it. Enjoy your high school experiences, make memories. You truly only get to experience this time once in your life. It’s the transition from teenager to a young adult, so enjoy the rest of your childhood.

Finally, I would like to thank It’s A Start for the scholarship and for all the help they are giving me. I appreciate it, they have helped me out a lot.