• 2008 Berkeley High School Class of 1951/Berkeley Community Fund
• High Hopes Scholarship recipient
• University of California, San Diego

My siblings and I weren’t able to skate, ride bikes, or even go away on camping trips. My parents’ were overprotective because my family did not have health care. Such a necessity was unattainable because my father could barely support five growing children. The harder he worked, the less we saw him and even then, health care was a necessity we couldn’t afford… The persistent obstacles I faced have made my goals difficult to accomplish, but in the process, I have taken leadership in shaping my own life. I am capable of succeeding in the real world because I have learned that only I can make my life better, and I am fully prepared to do so.

Stephanie’s updates

“Stephanie is an exceptional student and a rare human being who juggles family responsibilities with brilliant scholarship; who follows her spiritual and creative path and makes challenging decisions without shortchanging her dreams.”

Teacher, Berkeley High School