Student Profile | Sandra Alfaro

THEN: Dennis attended Crenshaw High School, an underperforming high school in south Los Angeles. He was introduced to the Fulfillment Fund through the College Access Program.

The Fulfillment Fund in conjunction with the Bright Future Committee provided Dennis with a $15,000 college scholarship as he pursues undergraduate degrees in both Sociology and Education.

NOW: Dennis has just finished his sophomore year at UCLA. He plans to become a high school College Counselor at a school like Crenshaw. He believes his life’s purpose is to help students achieve a higher education.

IN HIS OWN WORDS

I have overcome heartache and struggles brought upon by family battling drug addiction, separation, and death.  But through it all, I can say that I am a true survivor and made my education my number one priority.

I was born to parents strung out on drugs, at a premature age of 6 months. I was never expected to live. I was taken away from my parents and became a ward of the court until the age of four. I was raised by my grandmother after that- when the court gave her custody of me.  She taught me that to live in this world you must be a survivor.

My goal is not only to survive but also to thrive in this game of life. I have continued to keep my focus on my education and plan to be an educator. Even though my community is plagued with gangs and drugs, I feel that it is my duty to give back to my community and try to make a difference. I know this is my calling, to serve others through education.

If it weren’t for special programs offered by the Fulfillment Fund in high school, I would not be as prepared for college as I am today. They allowed me to meet with advisors and mentors, go on college tours, and fill out the college applications by guiding me through it all. Fulfillment Fund has given me the educational opportunity to explore and experience what life can be like after high school.