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I want to attened college so I can support my family and contribute back and be financially stable in the future. Additionally, my parents inspire me from a young age to become the person you want to be in the future.

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i want to go to college because i want to meet new people, gain knowledge on about what i am passionate about, and have a bright future! i want to give back to my family since they sacrificed a lot for me. i want to have a job that i love and be financially stable. another reason is because of the stories i heard from guests speakers from a summer program that i recently attended. they really inspired me.

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I want to go to college because it opens so many doors for future careers, and I feel it is a necessary step to be successful in my adult life.

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I want to go to college because I think its the next step that everyone should take if they're not already pursuing anything that doesn't need a college education. What inspires me are my parents. The motivation I have would be being able to start living independently.

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My why for college is because the only reason my parents came her is for me and my brothers so I want to be the first to graduate college.

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I chose college because I want a bright, successful future. My parents came here with basically nothing, now that they're hard workers and giving me everything. I want to give back to them.  

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I chose college because I want a bright, successful future. My parents came here with basically nothing, now that they're hard workers and giving me everything. I want to give back to them.  

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I want to go to college because:
1. My immigrant parents want me to pursue higher education that they were not able to get
2. I like learning and challenging myself
3. College is a way for me to develop my own person and live life my own way
4. College will open up more job opportunities for me in the future

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I wanted to go to college because I wanted to make a difference in my community. I wanted to give back to my parents and stem out from the cycle of poverty. My parents immigrated to the USA since they were teenagers, and they had been working day in and day out  to provide for my siblings and me. I wanted to be able to give back to them and show my siblings that an education was a ticket to a better life.
The funny thing is that I never envisioned myself as a college bound student. NO one in my family (immediate or extended) had ever gone to college let alone more away for college. It was a lot of new experiences and "firsts". Thankfully, I had 10KD and my parents' support, which made me want to go to college even more!

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College taught me the power in growth through knowledge!

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College taught me the power in growth through knowledge!

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Personally, I wanted to go to college because I knew that the academic and professional opportunities that I could attain in college would allow me to grow skills that could one day hopefully lead me to achieving my dreams. For my family, they believe that education was just the start of the path to success. Through valuing education so personally, I knew that if I just gave myself the opportunity to optimize the resources and options that college provided me (i.e. joining clubs, getting an on campus job, going to office hours), I could reach my potential and realize my capabilities to accomplish my goals. With that said, I ultimately saw college as an important stepping stone to my future, and I encourage future college students to do the same!

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The perfect Monsters University Mike Wazowski Excited Animated GIF for your conversation. Discover and Share the best GIFs on Tenor.

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Making the decision to go to college was not only about improving my future career goals, it was also about securing a better future for my mother. She inspired me to go to college because she made many sacrifices so I could receive a good education in the united states. As a young undocumented student there were lots of uncertainties in the journey but what kept me motivated was knowing that no matter what happened, what I learned could not be taken away from me.

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Although I am the youngest of my siblings I was the first to attend a four year university, so I made it my goal to obtain an education to honor my past ancestors, make my current family proud, and set up myself and future family for success. Something I always remember my mom telling me is that if there's one thing no one can take away it is my education and I lived by that every step of my academic journey. For me education is my voice, my outlet, and my pathway and once I was established in my university I wanted to make sure other students knew they have a seat at the table as well.

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I went to college to meet people outside of my “bubble” , discover new fields of study and to be able to get a satisfying job in the future. At my school and in my family there was really no option not to go to college . It was never discussed .

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I wanted to meet new people, travel, have new experiences and college was a way to try some of that out in a safe environment. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do as a career and college and the people I met there exposed me to different ways of thinking and being that helped me on my path.

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I wanted to meet new people, travel, have new experiences and college was a way to try some of that out in a safe environment. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do as a career and college and the people I met there exposed me to different ways of thinking and being that helped me on my path.

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To be completely honest my why for college has changed over the years. For example, when I began college my why was my family because they were the ones supporting me, and I wanted to prove that their sacrifices had paid off. Then, once I was  in college that perspective changed, and I realized  that I was doing it for myself! Now, after graduating, my why has changed to promote systemic change.

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To be completely honest my why for college has changed over the years. For example, when I began college my why was my family because they were the ones supporting me, and I wanted to prove that their sacrifices had paid off. Then, once I was  in college that perspective changed, and I realized  that I was doing it for myself! Now, after graduating, my why has changed to promote systemic change.

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I wanted to go to college because I knew that my immigrant parents wanted that future for me. Once I was actually in college, I was able to learn and grow, academically and personally. The experiences you have are irreplaceable and you earn skills that will help you in your career. Education is super important to me and I want to build a stable future for myself and my family.

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My why is my family! My parents and I immigrated to this country for a better future more than a decade ago. So growing up my parents always made sure to stress the importance of going to college. They were not able to back in Mexico but they wanted to make sure I did. And because they were unware of what it took to go to college they always motivated to seek out resources that would help me along the way.
Graduating college was besides my way of thanking my parents for everything they have done for me it has been a way to ensure a better future for myself

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I went to college for two main reasons. The first reason is my family. From an early age my parents always emphasized the importance of education. They reminded me that obtaining a degree would open many doors and that it would help me achieve my goals and aspirations. They believed in my potential long before I did, and I am extremely grateful for it. The second reason I went to college was because I knew that it would help me grow as an individual, and allow me to better understand who I am, and what mark I want to leave.

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Being a first generation student, growing up I saw the need of breaking educational barriers in my family. Early on I knew the further I went with my education, the greater future I could give to my mom and my future generation.

Not having anyone in my family to look up to in this area, I took initiative and found resources at my High School. I also asked anyone I could find about their college journey and how they got there. By doing this I found some amazing counselors and mentors to show me how and cheer me on along the way!

There was a lot of hard moments in where I did need to call someone for a pick-me-up pep talk, but I got to grow and learn a lot about myself. Now I can say that I am a proud graduate from a 4 year institution, and helping others to do the same is my passion!

One step at a time gets the job done!

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"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." — Malcolm X

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"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." — Malcolm X

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The moment I started high school, I knew I wanted to go to college but I wasn't sure how to get there. My mom wanted me to go to college too but she would always worry about how we would pay for a college education. I knew there had to be a way and 10KD gave me all the answers I needed. Through 10KD I learned about all the requirements for different colleges/ universities, I learned about financial aid, and I learned that I could go to college, even if I was low-income or first-gen! 10KD really inspired me to go after everything I wanted, especially since they were on campus every week helping students with the process.  I wanted to reassure my mom that even though we were living paycheck to paycheck, I would find a way to go to college and make it happen. I had to believe in myself and not give up when challenges came up. I filled out financial aid with my 10KD fellow and applied to the 10,000 Degrees Scholarship, along with other scholarships. I pretty much received a full ride to UCSB. College opened many doors for me and I will always cherish everything I learned/ experienced. I was able to double major, make a lot of great connections, complete internships out of state, and study abroad. I'm grateful for my mom and 10,000 Degrees. I could not have done it without their support!!!

To anyone reading this, keep pushing! I know you will accomplish anything you set your mind to. Stay committed to your goals & advocate for yourself!

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My parents motivation, my son's inspiration

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My parents motivation, my son's inspiration

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Although my parents never went to college, I remember them talking to me about college from a very young age. It was something that I just felt I needed to do in order to be better for them and for them and for me. When I got pregnant with my son in high school, people tried to tell me my life was ruined. The birth of my son motivated me even more to go to college. I wanted to ensure I was able to give him the best life possible.

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I knew I wanted to go to college after high school I was just not sure where. I was told by a person that should have been there to encourage and support me that I would probably drop out college. I decided to prove to them and myself that I can accomplish going to college and obtaining a bachelor's degrees. My why was my family, myself, and for other that were once told you cannot, that you can do it! College opened so many doors for me and my family. I met amazing people and now all my siblings have gone to college.

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I decided to give college a chance for myself and for my family. I wanted us to have a better life and even though I wasn't sure what I wanted to study in college or what that journey would look like I knew that it was worth giving it a try.

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Since middle school, I knew I wanted to go to college. I would tell everyone my dream was to go to a University to become a doctor, and people would smile. I worked hard through High School, trying to be as involved and as studious as I could be. I was lucky enough to not only have parents and family that supported me, but a group of friends that were equally supportive.

I ultimately got into the school of my choice, but during my journey, I came to learn that college is not only about the academics. College is a test of your determination and an opportunity to grow outside of the environment you are accustomed to. This environmental expansion also gave me the opportunity to meet many extraordinary individuals whom I would have been less likely to befriend in my home environment.

College is not easy, far from it, but if you have the drive to invest in yourself and willingness to seek support when you are struggling, you will thrive.

To this day, I still dream of being a doctor, and thanks to my college experiences, that dream has taken on a different form that will allow me to play to my strengths and be that support for those walking down the path I was once on.

Keep pressing on!

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Growing up, there was alot of chaos and things that were out of my control going on both for me personally and within my family. School was always a place that made me feel safe and grounded. I felt like I had a purpose, and there was hope for me to create the life I always dreamed of having. It is what fueled me to keep going each day. Going to college also made me see that I do have some control over how I want my life and future to be like. Learning has always inspired me to be great and empowers me. These feelings that education has given me over the years are all things I needed, and it has had huge positive impacts over my life. Getting my degree has been one of the biggest accomplishments of my life and no one can take that away from me. I could not have been successful in achieving my degree without my counselors, parents, friends, financial aid, and resources on campus. I am forever grateful that there are people and organizations in the community that wanted to help me and believed in me. My community has inspired me to give back by helping students achieve their goals.

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When I was in high school, I happened to be a part of a counseling caseload that got passed off to new counselors every year. I never had the opportunity to build a long term relationship with a guidance counselor and during my senior year, the person given my file who was supposed to write my letter of recommendation gave my transcript one look and said, "this is okay, but not great. Are you sure this is something you can really do?" I was so hurt by her words, especially given that I was already unsure going into her office,  and I left that meeting holding back tears. Several days later, I shared this with the teacher I was a TA for and she was appalled. She encouraged me to look at all of my options, find schools that had a major I was passionate about and apply, apply, apply. She helped me find fee waivers for some of my applications and even helped me sign up for my SAT. She is the reason I didn't give up, and the reason I ultimately decided to pursue the major I did.

The whole point of my story is this - just because one person tells you you can't, doesn't mean you have to listen. Find the people who will fight for you, who will guide you, and who will encourage you when you need it the most. You CAN do this - it may be hard but it is not impossible, especially with people from 10,000 Degrees who will be with you every step of the way. You've got this, and we've got you!

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As a first generation college student and a DACA recipient I wanted to change the rhetoric people have about immigrants. I have always just been seen as a statistic, a simple number. Not much was expected of me in the society we live in as I am a Mexican woman and undocumented. I wanted to prove to those that doubted me that I can do much more than they thought I could but most importantly, I wanted to prove to myself that with time and dedication, anything is possible.
There was a point in my life where I thought about giving up. In a sense, I feel like I was burnt out. I reached out to my 10KD advisor, my university counselor and they helped me understand that people go through situations similar to mine where giving up is the simple way out. I have worked extremely hard to get to where I am today that I used that feeling of giving up and turned it into a feeling of SI SE PUEDE!
Earning a college degree also represented hope and a better life for myself and for my family. I am extremely grateful for the support 10KD has given me. Education is a powerful weapon and once we have it, there is an endless amount of opportunities to not only better our lives but also our communities.

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During the time I went to college, I was undocumented. My options felt limited due to my documentation status. College became a safe space for me! I learned to appreciate the drive and motivation of attending college. I loved the feeling of learning something new! College was challenging at time (especially with imposter syndrome) but it also allowed me to learn, grow, and find myself. This was HUGE for me as I was always questioning myself.

Please remember that when in doubt! You BELONG HERE and you have a whole community her to support you! Pa' delante! :)

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Growing up, I had to experience many of the hardships and injustices that come with being a daughter of immigrants.  These experiences definitely opened my eyes to realize the importance of pursuing a higher education, and the many opportunities that come with a degree. I became even more determined to attend college after coming to the realization that I could make the dreams of all of those who came before me true. Essentially, college represented a life changing experience for my loved ones and I, and I will be forever grateful for the doors that my education has opened for me.

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My parents always expected me to go to college. Like them, I am an immigrant and we knew that to be successful in this country, I had to continue my education after high school. Although my parents didn't have the resources to help me apply to college, I had 10KD and a supportive high school counselor that guided me throughout the application process. It's opened many doors and given me the opportunity to network with others, work at different places and grow professionally. Going to college and receiving my bachelor's degree has also made my parents' sacrifices worth it. As a young student, the application process can be intimidating but believe in yourself and know that you belong. I genuinely believe that it is all worth it in the end.

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Growing up, my parents always stressed the importance of going to college, but never had the tools or knowledge to help me get there. It became clear to me that education was going to be the solution to all of the hardships I faced, so I always tried to do well in school. In my junior year of high school, my college adviser called me out of class and we discussed my options for after high school and I was shocked! She helped me complete my college apps, financial aid applications, and helped me apply for scholarships. The transition from high school to college was hard, but I always kept in mind my "why". I had to remember why going to college was important to me and I would be able to keep going. College gave me the freedom to grow and learn without the influence of things going on at home, so I would be able to focus on my studies. That growth in college allowed me to use my degree to continue helping my family and community.

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I wanted to go to college to be a change-maker in the world. College was the door to unknown opportunities and experiences that I needed as young adult. The freedom, space for exploration, and ability to learn about and study anything I wanted was the spark I needed to grow into the person I am today. I am forever thankful for my experience and would not change it for the world!

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I never expected to go to college in the US. I started community college right after high school and took classes without having high expectations since I didn't know what I wanted to study or had any career goals. It wasn't after I met with my counselor that it got real and she told me I could transfer. So I decided to stick to college to prove to myself that I could do it but also to experience and figure out what career I wanted to go into. After graduating college, it's an experience like no other, best years of my life and I learn a little bit about who I am as a person and a professional.