This month the KIPP Foundation caught up with a Goldberg Scholarship recipient from a previous cohort about what she learned, what plans she has for the near future and what advice she would share with this year’s applicants. This student is part of a talented group of KIPP alumni who are selected each year as Goldberg Scholars in partnership with the Sheryl Sandberg & Dave Goldberg Family Foundation. Each year, KIPP selects 15 KIPP graduates who receive a unique combination of financial support and mentorship during their four-year college experience. Read below, in her own words, the impact the program has had in her life.
Metztli Garcia, Cohort 1 (Junior), University of California, Los Angeles – KIPP SoCal Public Schools Alumna
Being in the Goldberg program, I’ve learned how to get out of my comfort zone through practice of developing skills such as networking, communication, financial planning, and more. Many of my first times having to talk to CEOs or being on camera has been through the Goldberg program, these are skills that are necessary for everyone’s own life and learning so early on has been a challenge but also boosted my confidence.
This academic year, I will be a Policy Fellow for the Latino Policy Institute at UCLA, the Vice President of a multicultural women’s organization, the Vice President of Recruitment for the Latino Business Student Association, as well as continue to be a Career Peer for the UCLA Career Center and continue to lead my Cultural photography business. My hope is that these experiences will not only continue to bring me out of my comfort zone, but serve as a way to dive deeper in discovering my career goals.
To this year’s applicants, my advice is to share your truth. Everyone’s journey is beautiful. And being proud of where and how you have become who you are today is most important – not only for your application, but also for yourself.
Read the full story at the KIPP Foundation.
