FROM SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT TO MASTER’S CANDIDATE

Ileana Hernandez’s Journey

At the heart of our First in Family College Readiness Program lies the transformative power of education. Our alumna, Ileana Hernandez, embodies the incredible impact that scholarships can have on a student’s life. From being a program recipient to becoming an esteemed employee at Share Our Selves, Ileana’s journey serves as a testament to the potential for growth and success that lies within each student we support.

Ileana’s story began when she proudly graduated from Costa Mesa High School in 2017. The support she received from the First in Family College Readiness Program left an indelible mark on her life. Beyond financial support, each scholarship recipient is equipped with essential resources to facilitate their academic journey. This included a laptop, a backpack filled with school supplies, a toiletry kit, monetary gift cards for book assistance and living supplies, and a collegiate sweatshirt representing their new university. One particular gift held tremendous significance for her – the brand-new laptop. It relieved her of the financial burden of purchasing a laptop, allowing her to focus on her studies. Fueled by determination, she enrolled at Vanguard University, commencing her undergraduate education, and setting the course for her future endeavors.

After completing her bachelor’s degree Ileana took a gap year, contemplating her next steps. Ultimately, she sought opportunities that aligned with her values. Share Our Selves emerged as the ideal organization, known for its exceptional reputation in the community. Ileana recognized the significance of being the “voice of Share Our Selves” as a frontline representative, providing essential support to patients through her work in patient services. The experiences she had as a scholarship recipient allowed her to empathize with others in the community, understanding their perspectives and striving to help them navigate the challenges they face.

Empowered by her role, she decided to pursue a master’s degree in public health, at the University of Southern California, confident that she could make a meaningful difference in the field. She knows firsthand the importance of scholarships and financial aid for students, especially for those who, like her, are first-generation college attendees. Ileana acknowledges that many scholarships tend to focus on high GPAs or athletic achievements, making the support specifically tailored to first-generation college students scarce. “When I was applying for scholarships, I noticed that I didn’t necessarily qualify for many of them, but when I came across the First in Family scholarship, I felt hope that I could receive the assistance I needed” Ileana shared. This realization has fueled her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of future scholarship recipients.

In her current role, Ileana envisions continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of future scholarship recipients. As a mentor to other firstgeneration students, she strives to empower and inspire them to reach their full potential. Ileana’s passion for community programs is palpable, and she hopes that her pursuit of a master’s degree in public health will propel her even further in this realm, amplifying her ability to effect change.

FIRST IN FAMILY

FIRST IN FAMILY COLLEGE READINESS PROGRAM Empowering First-Generation College Students

At Share Our Selves, we are committed to breaking down barriers and empowering individuals to achieve their dreams. One of our proudest initiatives is our First in Family College Readiness Program, which provides vital scholarship support and resources to first-generation college students.

ESTABLISHED IN 2016

WITH THE SUPPORT OF DONORS AND EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS

SCHOLARSHIPS UP TO $1,000 AWARDED TO TO EACH STUDENT

Partnerships With

BACKPACKS 30 BACKPACKS DONATED BY VOLCOM

WHERE STUDENTS ENROLLED

MORE THAN

100 STUDENTS HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE PROGRAM SINCE ITS INCEPTION

CLASS OF 2023

29 STUDENTS ARE HEADED OFF TO COLLEGE

To learn more about the First in Family College Readiness Program or how you can give, please visit our website at shareourselves.org/donate or contact us at sosfoundation@shareourselves.org Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of future generations.