DSST Cole High School – Current Junior
National Hispanic Recognition Program Finalist (Top 1% of PSAT Scorers)
Favorite part about the HighView program:
There are so many different components so it’s hard to pick just one. My favorite would have to be the mentor component. My mentor John is really cool; he helps me with any problems I may have at school or even personal problems I have going on. It’s nice to have someone to talk to every other week about how school is going and if I need any help.
Also what I really like is learning about different careers from the people who work in them. Not just reading about them or watching videos, but learning about the day to day roles, how you can get into that career and what education is needed.
How will HighView prepare you for success in college and your career?
My parents didn’t go to college so it’s difficult to have someone to ask about these questions – financial aid, what college is like, etc. I have no connections in the professional world so HighView helps [connect me to] actual professionals and people who know about the college process.
Do you have any unique personal circumstances or obstacles that you’ve had to overcome that have motivated you to succeed?
My parents didn’t go to college. I don’t come from a family that knows too much about the whole process. Just thinking about college before got me really nervous because I didn’t know how I was going to apply for it. I thought I’d have to go about it on my own and learn everything by myself. But with HighView, I get the opportunity to get mentors who can help me and have people who know the whole process and who can make it so much easier for me.
My primary motivator is making my parents proud. They didn’t have the opportunities that I do now. Their main goal for me is to go to college. Showing them that I am working hard and that I can accomplish what they want me to is really what motivates me and drives me every day.
Any advice for students considering applying to HighView?
Do it. Just do it. If you think you have the slightest chance to get in, do it. Once you’re in, take advantage of everything that HighView offers. Ask your mentors for help. If you’re struggling, they’ll get you the advice and help you need. If you are considering a career field in STEM, this is a great opportunity. Even if you don’t know exactly what you want to do, you can discover new things you didn’t know about before. So just take advantage of the whole program!
What does HighView mean to you?
To me, HighView means always striving for excellence and going beyond. Always looking for help even when you’re scared to ask for it. And meeting new people! Having your peers that can help you out and who you can learn from.