College Match 2007 Graduation Comments

The third full College Match class graduated in June 2007.  We held a Special Graduation Ceremony at the Stadium Club at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2007.  200 excited students, parents, siblings and friends attended this ceremony.  Students were presented with laptop computers (courtesy of The Raytheon Company.)  Subsequently, College Match held a College Retention and Success Seminar for the graduates where seasoned professionals and college students discussed a number of important topics including academic, health, financial and social issues.  Students have also been provided with immunization shots, jackets, linens, comforters, etc.

After the Graduation Ceremony, a number of College Match students made the following comments.  Although a number of these statements are personal in nature (they were written as thank you notes), they reflect the students’ views of the College Match program.

“Well, I have to thank you from the bottom of my heart because I would not be going where I am going without having met you.  You are definitely one of the nicest, most sincere persons I have ever met.  You have sacrificed your attention and time to help a bunch of kids you had never met until (recently) to make such a significant difference in their lives.  I hope you never lose that generous calling of yours to continue College Match for years to come.  I will always remember our week-long East Coast trip,…the weeks of SAT tutoring or the stress as college application deadlines closed in.  It’s been wonderful having your ever-cheerful presence to reassure and motivate us.  Without you, I would not be going to Pomona College….I am so very thankful to you.  I hope College Match achieves the great success you have been working towards so vigorously and I know you will continue to amaze more kids in the near future.

“From the bottom of my heart to my toes,”

-This young woman had the highest SAT scores in College Match history and has enrolled in Pomona College.

“There are no words that can demonstrate how thankful I am for you, Julie and the rest of the wonderful advisors in the program….Before…College Match prestigious universities and colleges seemed almost, if not completely impossible.  I never thought that I would apply to Yale, Columbia or even Berkeley with the mindset that I could actually get in.  I used to think that I would end up in a Cal State or a community college (not that there is anything wrong with that.)  My perspective was that my mother’s yearly income determined my future.  However, during the East Coast trip, I realized that I did have the potential to compete for a spot in those prestigious universities and colleges.  My hard work, knowledge and personality not the amount…in my bank account, are the most important factors in my acceptances.  This realization was tremendous.

“These last two years with College Match have been completely amazing.  The college application process, usually an emotional roller coaster filled with confusion and stress, possibly even nausea, was eased by your guidance.  I never felt alone in a difficult situation.  I knew you were always one call away….Thank you for everything that you have given me.  Your guidance has allowed me to blossom into a prominent and strong individual who can overcome any difficult challenge.  My new found confidence, inspired by you and the program, has allowed me to reach for higher goals in life.  My ‘can do’ attitude is no longer bounded by mental limitations and restrictions.  I feel absolutely blessed to be given this opportunity…and to be part of a family like College Match.”

-This young woman has enrolled in UCLA

“I don’t really know where to begin.  There has been just so much that would not have been possible without you.  I certainly know I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it (weren’t for College Match.)  I wouldn’t have applied to Dartmouth, Swarthmore, Bowdoin or any of the schools on the East Coast.  I see now that a change of scenery is something that I really need at this time in my life, and without our awesome East Coast trip…

“I don’t know how well I would’ve done on the SAT’s without that prep with Stacey.  I would have taken some prep classes, but they wouldn’t have been as intensive nor had such a great teacher to show us what that dumb test is all about.  Honestly, my personal statement would’ve been crap without Julie.  I think this was the biggest help I could get in getting accepted by colleges.  Without you bringing Julie to help out on our essays, I’m almost 100% sure the elite schools would not have taken me.

“College Match has done so much for all of us, and I don’t think we can thank you enough.  All of the opportunities that you have presented us with, which we wouldn’t have had otherwise, are what made the College Match program such an important addition to our lives.  To basically be on equal ground as rich kids who have indispensable resources is something I wouldn’t have dreamed of in high school….I didn’t think it was possible for someone like me to end up at Dartmouth.  I didn’t even know Dartmouth existed.  But now that I am where I am, I can’t imagine not being here.  After my visit last month, I really saw Dartmouth as the perfect fit for me.  Thank you so very much for everything you have done for me, and for all of the other College Match members.  You do incredible things for so many.  I’m just grateful to have been a part of it all.  Thank you, thank you and thank you.”

-This young man has enrolled in Dartmouth College

“Thank you for everything from the east Coast trip to the SAT classes.  The decisions I’ve made throughout the two years of College Match have been carefully guided by your interest in all of our futures.  And because of this interest, we have all chosen the right path to continue after high school.  I really appreciate everything you have done for me now and in the long run.  Thank you.”

-This young woman has enrolled in UC—Santa Barbara

“I’m grateful for all the help and guidance you have provided with colleges for me with colleges, applications and financial aid….you showed me that I was more than capable of attaining acceptance into any top school in the nation.  You…told me that I could do anything and everything was possible.  At first, the schools seemed out of my league, academically and financially, but you showed me that I could get into these schools and succeed.  I owe you a lifetime of gratitude for everything that you have given me….Thanks for everything.”

-This young man has enrolled in UC-San Diego

“Thank you for everything that you have done, both for me and my family.  I know I’ve thanked you many times before, but I will never be able to finish telling you how much I appreciate everything.  You have helped me with so much, there are no words to express how I feel.”

-This young woman has enrolled in Dartmouth College

“First of all, I want to thank you for all the hard work and time you put in for all of us.  Without you, most of us wouldn’t be where we are at now.  It’s people like you that really help to make a difference in the lives of young students in schools.  Ever since the beginning of the program, you have pushed us in the right direction and have taught us valuable lessons that will help us (in college.)  You have always taught us to try our best in everything we try to accomplish.  If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have known about the Claremont Colleges, and I wouldn’t (have applied) to all the colleges that I did.  Thanks to your support I was able to have great (choices)….You even managed to get me an interview at McKenna.  Thanks to you the next four years of my life at the college I wanted to go to.  I owe you everything.  And don’t worry, I won’t let you down”

-This young man has enrolled in Claremont McKenna College

“I am so grateful for all of your help.  Because of people like you, people like me are able to strive for something better in life.”

-This young man has enrolled in UCLA

“Before this program I never thought that there were so many opportunities out there for me.  You have helped me realize the possibilities that I have.  This program helped me change my view about my future.  Thank you for everything you’ve done for us.  College Match has been a great experience for me and you made it happen.”

-This young woman has enrolled in UC-Berkeley

“Two years ago I would have never guessed that I would be going to New York City for school.  It was not even a thought in the back of my mind.  That is until College Match and its great counselors came to Bell.  My deepest gratitude and appreciation for the doors you’ve opened for me.”

-This young man has enrolled in Columbia University

“What words are there left to say.  I always dreaded the idea of leaving high school.  Not so much for the fact (that it is) fun but because of the insecurity of what was to come.  I don’t have anyone in my family to talk (to) about the college experience nor friends to talk about how it is.  I was terrified by the idea.  But you…and this great program not only showed me I can make the scores (and) not only showed me what wonders were out there, you showed me that I shouldn’t be afraid of what to do next because I have the answer.  Move Forward!  Thank you.”

-This young man has enrolled in UC—Berkeley

“I really have most, if not all, to thank College Match and you for (my) getting into Yale and all those other 17 schools. J  Honestly, if it had not been for you, I never would have applied…to all of those great institutions.  You really have to know that you really do change lives and many have been impacted by you (not only College Match students—without you knowing) and this is a great thing.  I admire you very much for this.  I hope you know I really look up to you…and I do take into account your words (except when you told me not to apply to so many schools.)  Throughout my days, I will carry these memories with me at all times.

“I know you will continue making kid’s dreams come true, pushing them to do their best …and bringing happiness.  I love that you want to give us the chances/opportunities that we were not given.  Thank you for always being there, no matter the reason or time….Thank you for fighting for students, negotiating for students and showing you care for your kids.  Not only this, but also for the future years to come in which I know you will still be a part of my life and accomplishments (because I am determined to succeed and hopefully someday be a person like you).  You are someone I know I can always come to—so expect me bugging you.  Don’t think you’ve gotten rid of me yet!  He he”

-This young woman has enrolled in Yale University

“I cannot express the gratitude that I feel.  Thank you for being a great mentor and for always being there whenever I had a question.  Also, thank you for giving me the opportunity to visit colleges on the East Coast.  This was truly a great experience that I will never forget….Also, I would like to thank you for making me aware that there are many great opportunities for students like me who come from low-income families.  You have meant a lot to me and other students, because you have changed our lives in a positive way.”

-This young woman has enrolled in Mount Holyoke College

“Being a member of College Match has opened my eyes to opportunities I never thought I had.  Visiting all the colleges and learning about life after high school could not have been possible without this program.  My outlook on life has changed completely, and I have found more confidence and determination than I ever thought I had.  Thank you for the entire experience.”

-This young man has enrolled in UC-Berkeley

“Thank you for the opportunity…to be a part of the College Match program.  Thanks for the trips and for broadening my views on the schools that are out there that we Latinos and low-income students would have never known.  Thank you for the opportunity and for everything.”

-This young woman has enrolled in Occidental College

“Well I just wanted to thank you for everything that you’ve done for me.  You gave me the opportunity to prove to myself and to others that I can succeed in life.  Words will never express the appreciation that I have towards you and this program, but what you do for students is remarkable.  Thank you again, and I hope to stay in touch with you.”

-This young woman has enrolled in UC-Berkeley

“I would like to thank you for the opportunity you have given me of participating in this program.  (Since) I am the first college bound student in my family;  I never thought I was going to go to a good college.  My mom had barely received her G.E.D., my father didn’t finish elementary school, and my older sister joined the military right after high school to go to Iraq.  There was no one to guide me with this until you came around and introduced me to places I never thought I would go and told me I had the potential of getting there if I worked hard.  Because of your support and confidence in me, I was motivated to do better in school.  I am most thankful for the time you came to Franklin (only) to talk to me personally about which college I should go to.  That was probably the most important conversation I have had in my life because you cleared all the doubt I had about choosing UC—San Diego—which was something I had been stressing out about for quite sometime.  You are an amazing person who has had a great impact on my life.  I will never forget your guidance and advice.”

-This young man has enrolled in UC-San Diego

“I would first like to thank you for everything you have done for me and my peers.  There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude towards you and the program.  Although the application process is over, I still want to thank you for your guidance and support!  Again, thank you very much.”

-This young woman has enrolled in Occidental College

“You are without a doubt a wonderful person.  Thank you for all the knowledge you passed on to all of us.  College Match has been a great organization to be a part of.  I am grateful to have met a person who would write letters of recommendation for all the students, who would be available anytime to counsel with, and who would go out of his way to help us.  I think that (because) you were so friendly, so thoughtful and so insightful, you made me know that such people exist.”

-This young man has enrolled in UCLA