By Gabriela P.
College of Saint Benedict Student
Being a first-generation Mexican-American student comes with a plethora of obstacles in order to become the person you want to be, and my Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) helped me.
My name is Gabriela, but I go by Gaby. I am a rising sophomore at the College of Saint Benedict, and I plan to major in psychology and minor in global business.
This was not my first plan before receiving the LRAP gift.
I was planning to go to my local technical college, because my parents could not afford an expensive college. I was also going to major in something I did not love, because it was the only way to repay my loans. I knew if I studied what I wanted the next generation would not have the privilege to study where and what they wanted.
I wanted to go to my dream college and study what I wanted, but I could not without the help of LRAP. I am truly grateful for LRAP because my dreams came true. My family and I have peace in our minds without thinking about school financial problems.
With LRAP, I will be the first in my family to receive a bachelor’s degree from my dream school and in a field I am passionate about. I hope one day to become a leader in my field by mentoring, empowering, and lifting others up to reach their goals, just as I am being supported by LRAP.
This story has been edited for length and clarity.