ES When Reality Changers alum Victoria (‘13) was getting ready to begin applying to college she knew that she would need support. Victoria was eager to be the first in her family to attend college, and knew that the best way to achieve this goal was by finding a like-minded community of peers who understood what she was going through.
It was with Reality Changers that Victoria found herself amongst “a strong community of people who were purpose-driven.” This community helped her “gain clarity, direction, and guidance” when it came time to apply to universities.
Victoria was eager to accomplish her goals and aimed her sights toward Stanford University. She initially lacked the knowledge to effectively share her personal story when writing application essays for Stanford. While working with Reality Changers staff on crafting her story, she recalls moments where she realized that she did have unique experiences in life that were key to her story. With the support of staff, she was able to learn how to write a good story and find a way to connect with others through her writing.
In addition to the support Victoria received writing her story, Victoria recounts the invaluable mentorship she received. As part of this mentorship, staff at Reality Changers were able to connect her, and others in her class, with a representative from Stanford University, allowing her to network and build her connections. Words of encouragement and support from staff went a long way for Victoria. She says she still remembered their words even after leaving San Diego to study at Stanford University.
Since graduating from Stanford with a degree in Psychology and Creative Writing, Victoria has worked within the advertising and writing industry. She has also volunteered with Reality Changers at events like Speech Night.
Victoria wishes to encourage other first-generation San Diegans looking for a community of scholars to participate in Reality Changers. She shared that as a low-income student she faced self-doubt about how far she could go, but Reality Changers was able to “hold back the floodgates” of negativity allowing her to solely focus on achieving her goals.