Why uAspire?

Like so many of the students uAspire serves, I have a similar background as a low-income, first-generation student. I so often felt that I was pushing against the tides trying to lift myself out of my circumstance, but having access to knowledge and learning changed not only how I see myself, but how I interact with the world around me. Pursuing higher education is an opportunity that has historically been reserved for those of extreme privilege. Knowledge has been gate-kept by those who would deny a person the rights afforded to them as a human being and as a citizen of this country. Everyone, especially those who have been marginalized, othered, harassed, disenfranchised, and abandoned by unjust antiquated systems, deserve education and grace. I am so excited to be a part of this crucial work. I hope, if I accomplish anything in this role, that I leave students feeling empowered with the knowledge that there is much greatness in store, and access to higher education is just the beginning to their future enrichment.