As I prepare for my third semester in the Respiratory Care Program, I plan to continue my studies after graduation from Westchester Community College. Each day I spend at the college is a constant reminder of how desire and hard work can lead to success. The college’s superior facilities and the willingness of the professors to help students succeed have combined to make my time here a wonderful experience.

After graduating from high school, I was eager and determined to reach my educational goals. I always dreamt of becoming a successful business woman. A four-year university was not an option for me due to the high cost. However, Johnson County Community College’s affordable tuition became my higher educational institute of choice and became my platform to broaden my horizons.

"I never thought I would get into Stanford and it was a thrill to receive the acceptance letter," said Corral. "I recently attended a welcoming event for incoming students and I was shocked that some of the faculty members and administrators already knew me by name. I felt very special and I am anxious to get back and start my studies."

Fernando Villavicencio migrated three years ago from his native Guayaquil, Ecuador. With dreams to become a Mechanical Engineer, he came to the United States in search of the American Dream. When Fernando first arrived to this country, he did not speak a word of English and was unable to communicate effectively. He was certain he wanted to pursue an education, but thought it was impossible as a result of his hectic schedule and lack of knowledge of the English language.

Anne Sarie Yva Cossogue migrated from Haiti two years ago in order to pursue a degree in Biology in hopes of becoming an obstetric-gynecologist. From an early age, Anne would dream of the day she would be able to pursue an education in this county. As a result, after finishing high school two and a half years ago, she migrated to the United States to obtain a college degree.

Coming to Westchester Community College at age seventeen was daunting. However, I had a need to pursue an education in the United States. Since I have been at the college, I have become very active in and out of class. I am proud to say that I am part of the Honor Program and a member of the National Honor Society. In addition to my college activities, I also participate in programs sponsored by the Arabic church in my community and continue to hold a part-time job.

Although I have just begun my undergraduate career, my plans are to complete a double major, and then transfer to a four-year university to complete my bachelor’s in Architecture. I am grateful to be able to attend Westchester Community College with the assistance of the Kathryn W. Davis Global Community Scholarship Program. The institution offers great opportunities and academic programs for all, including immigrants and non-traditional students.

Ever since a tender age, it has forever been my desire to pursue a career in the medical field to help people when they are ill. I am currently studying Pre-Pharmacy at Johnson County Community College because I want to be a pharmacist.

I’m an international student from Germany and I chose NOVA because it’s affordable. I’m able to experiment and take classes that are not necessarily required for my program, giving me ample time to figure out what I’d like to do in the long run.

Keyla Torres, an immigrant from Honduras, started anew at Wright College in 2004. Today, she is Eli’s Cheesecake Company’s Business Specialist. Like many other immigrants, Torres went to the United States in hopes of a brighter future. She graduated from Wright College in 2007 with an Associate’s Degree in Arts. Soon after, she transferred to Northwestern University, eventually graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in 2009 with a major in Political Science and a minor in Economics.