• 2008 Jessica Pers and Robert Stein High Hopes Scholarship recipient
• University of California, Davis

I realized much earlier than most, how important it is to be educated. At a very early age I saw things that no young child should see. I saw how easy it could be for me to get trapped in an ongoing cycle of male dominance, and I knew that was not the future I wanted for myself. I refuse to be programmed like most other young Latinas who are trapped into domesticity. As I looked for ways out of that ongoing cycle, I realized that a college education is my first step toward a new life.

Sandra’s updates

“Sandra is the model student—on time, participates, and always completes her work. In addition to her academic drive, Sandra’s charisma and optimistic outlook will enable her to succeed at almost anything she puts her mind towards.”

Teacher, Berkeley High School