Mami was a HS grad. Expectation was you go to college. "I came here to America for you to have a better life. You are getting an education."Cost was always a primary concern.
ElizabethRutgers U- NwkNYU PhD
Single momSeamstress w/Singer Sewing Company/NY2 cents per piece sewn
High School: Urban, athletics, advanced placement courses, 1K students per class
Elizabeth High School
CongratulationsClass of '86
Lucy
Awesomecommunity
Educational tracks from Middle school levelEntered High School with courses pre-selected in particular tracks and levelsGuidance counseling nonexistentMr. Traficante - Sophomore English teacher guided college process
Chose UPenn for the history, the city, to move away, and because I got in!
Richard
Paul Jr.
Paul
Finances:Received financial aidSigned a lot of papersMom couldn't pay family contribution. Holds on registration.Family dynamics:Expectations to do as older siblings: Stay localGo to a state schoolWork through collegeDon't ask for helpArrival at Penn:Lower SES evidentClothing differentNo money for food, for anything extra.Family pressure to "come home."No emotional or wellness supportsDifficulty adjusting.Little help from residential advisorsLeft Penn.Life: Two sons. Two careers.Returned in '04. BA '09MES '11, MPhil, '21