Cesar’s Story: from Student to Alumni, and Volunteer

Cesar Zamora is a member of the Associate Board at First Graduate, proudly living its mission to help students become first-generation college graduates. He has volunteered as a tutor and advisor to students completing their high school applications. His current role includes leading the FG alumni committee, with the objective to build a community of open communication and networking.

Cesar is himself an alumnus. “I vividly remember when Anthony, who is a former FG employee, came to my math class and presented the word ‘college,’ and I was sold,” he says. Cesar’s family had emigrated from Latin America when he was a child, and whatever hurdles had existed in achieving a higher education dissipated on that day in class. FG would counsel him in the ensuing years on both financial and academic matters, bolstering him to fulfill his greatest potential as a student. Of the 23 colleges he applied to, he was accepted by 18. 

Now Cesar is a role model of hope and tenacity. Among the students whose lives he has touched in his one year as an FG Associate Board member are two nephews and a sister currently in the 10th grade. “I can help other people to see the light at the end of the tunnel and that’s something that I truly enjoy,” says Cesar. “I can see how my story resonates with so many people.”

Author: Rafaelito Sy

Read this story and much more by following us in social media

 

Stay Connected

More Updates

First Graduate’s Alumni: Beating the Odds

All of this support-driven success is only possible because of the contributions from our donors. That’s why we’re offering you the opportunity to support our generation-changing organization with donations to our end-of-fiscal year campaign. Our goal is to raise $20,000 by the end of this month to sustain the positive impact we have on our First Graduate® students in a way that changes their lives forever.
Donate here!

Cap & Gown

To Everyone Who Attended Cap & Gown 2023: Thank You!

As we celebrate our newest graduates, remember that first-generation students can move from sixth grade through college graduation and into meaningful careers because of you and your support! And we couldn’t do it without the help of our corporate supporters: Hamilton Zanze, Dodge & Cox, Accenture, Adobe, KPMG, BSSP, Millennium Career Advantage, and GoodRx.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Despite how difficult they can be to get, it’s impossible to overstate the importance of scholarships. Especially for a first-generation student, a scholarship can be the difference between being able to go to college and not.