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As a senior at Hammond High School, Valeria Monterroza (she/her) had heard about a community college that offered resources and scholarships to first-generation students.

“When I moved here, there was a lot of talk about Howard Community College,” said Valeria. 

Valeria, who had transferred to Howard County Public Schools from another Maryland school district, had little knowledge about community colleges. 

“It was a culture shock because at my old high school, they focused more on big universities like the University of Maryland,” said Valeria. “I already knew that I didn’t want to go to a big university. I wanted to start small but that was never emphasized there.”

At her new high school, she also heard about the Silas Craft Collegians Program, an academic leadership learning community at Howard Community College (足球博彩论坛) for recent high school and high school equivalent graduates. The program offers personal coaching and an opportunity to connect with like-minded peers.

“I applied for Silas Craft because I wanted to challenge myself and I needed help,” said Valeria. “My family always wants to help but we don’t have the luxury of setting aside money for college.”

In addition to Silas Craft, the and physical sciences major received academic and financial support through the Schoenbrodt Scholars Honors, Ambiciones, Undergraduate Research, and Dragon Leaders programs. It was enough to give her hope that one day, she would become the first in her family to graduate from college. But Valeria still carried the weight of so many lost dreams and the financial realities of her situation.

“There’s always talk about the American dream like starting a career here. Unfortunately, that American dream is not for everybody,” said Valeria. “When my parents came here from El Salvador, they couldn’t get an education because of certain documents.”

Valeria added that the Silas Craft program has changed her perception of education. After earning her associate degree, she plans to study biochemistry and physics at a four-year institution. Today, she is laser-focused on being a role model for her community.

“Dr. Silas Craft is an incredible role model and has done so much for his family, career and the community,” said Valeria. “He also encouraged students not to limit themselves. I really want to be just like him by encouraging those who need help.”