Graduates honored: Arizona program celebrates over 150 students who came from underrepresented areas

PHOENIX – Greater than 150 school graduates had been honored in Phoenix on the evening of Might 25, and they’re all a part of a program known as Training Ahead Arizona, which serves college students in underrepresented areas.

Via this system, the scholars had been in a position to graduate from main universities throughout the state, like Arizona State College and Northern Arizona College, on full-ride scholarships. They had been additionally supplied with mentors alongside the best way.

The Class of 2022 was Training Ahead Arizona’s largest graduating class in 14 years.

“These college students are examples of these college students who’ve labored arduous, and are available from all the state,” stated Training Ahead Arizona Govt Vice President Dr. Richard Daniel. “A lot of them are first of their households to attend school, and transfer on to professions that many didn’t suppose that they will obtain.”

Valentino Mejia was one of many 150 college students within the graduating class.

“I used to be raised by a single mother my complete life,” stated Mejia. “My mother was my solely assist community, and he or she would say ‘Mijo, go to highschool, go to varsity. You are sensible, you may have it in you, and I do not need you to battle like me.’”

The 21-year-old says his humble beginnings together with his mom was a motivation for him to attempt for higher.

“There have been instances after I would get so upset after I would not have good issues, and my associates would,” stated Mejia. “I did not know methods to perceive that. Like, why does my household reside in poverty? My mother works a minimal wage job, making $7 a hour, and has to place meals on the desk for us, and I what I noticed, by means of her challenges, I needed to ensure I created a life for myself the place I used to be going to be joyful and financially secure.”

Now, Mejia is on the trail to success. Because of this system, he not too long ago graduated from Arizona State College on a full scholarship.

“This diploma isn’t for me, however for us, as a result of we labored arduous and he or she was my assist as effectively, and I might not be right here with out her as effectively,” stated Mejia.

Mejia graduated with a level in communication, and he not too long ago accepted a job in recruiting.

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