Daniel joined Reality Changers during 12th grade at Mission Vista High School. He had always been interested in STEM careers and felt like Reality Changers could help him get into college to realize his goals.
“I remember looking at [college] applications and just being stressed, like, ‘what am I supposed to do with this?’” he explains. Daniel appreciated having mentors who could walk him through the process and enjoyed the participatory community at Reality Changers. It felt like he and his friends were all working together to help each other get into college.
In addition to college application support, Reality Changers also showed Daniel ways to pay for college, including financial aid and scholarships. “Being in high school and not having any siblings or anyone to tell me about college finances, I didn’t know how to start. Reality Changers was able to help me get my feet on the ground and really be able to work on these things independently. I was able to continue that, even after high school,” he says.
Daniel completed two years of college at MiraCosta Community College and has transferred to University of California Irvine, where he is currently in his fourth year. He has taken full advantage of the college experience. “College changed my life in many ways,” he shares, “mostly by giving me opportunities – like research opportunities and internship opportunities; and, of course, all of that has given me more chances to meet new people and network.”
In addition to his internships at biotech firms (one of which, Reality Changers helped facilitate) and in campus government, Daniel applied and was accepted into the prestigious CIRM Compass Scholarship Program, which funds his work in a UCI neurobiology lab. He’s also currently studying abroad in Tokyo, where he’s learning Japanese.
While Daniel is most interested in STEM careers, it’s important to him to take a well-rounded approach. That’s why he’s sought out a variety of diverse internships and learning experiences. “I want to work in biology, but I think I’ve figured out that I want to do something that’s interdisciplinary, something where I can apply my biology knowledge in a different field.”
When he reflects on his Reality Changers experience, Daniel emphasizes how the program doesn’t just help students with their academic goals, it sets first-generation youth up for post-high school success. “[The program] starts at a time in your life where you have to start making very important decisions,” he explains. “It really gets you to be able to work independently and prepare for college.”
According to Daniel, “Reality Changers is a great cause. It’s probably one of the most directly impactful things a person could donate to. I say that from first-hand experience. A lot of people directly benefit from every donation.”
Right now at Reality Changers, high school seniors are working on their college applications. You can help them unlock new opportunities for success and growth, just like Daniel has.
Donate today to make a difference.
