Below is a brief excerpt from Aaron Tucker’s speech from the 9th annual ACCESS Academies Scholarship Dinner.

“My name is Aaron Tucker. I recently graduated from Bishop DuBourg High School, Class of 2017!

In high school, I was very involved with not only my academics but my extracurricular activities as well. Over the course of high school, I was involved in the Academy of Advanced Studies, National Honors Society, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, Robotics, Pro-Life Club, Theater, Liturgical Music, Choir, Math Club, Scholar Bowl, Video Gamers, and Anime Club.

I knew that even before I got to high school, I wanted to really be involved because I truly wanted to make my high school years memorable, and I believe that I achieved my goal. Well, I think that is enough for introductions because tonight is about raising money for this wonderful organization known as Access Academies. However, before we do that, I was asked to share a little bit about my experience with Access Academies. It has been a long and amazing journey, so bear with me.

I have been a part of Access Academies since my 8th-grade year at Saint Louis the King, formerly known as Cathedral Basilica. My 8th-grade year, they decided to implement this new program called NativityMiguel, and it was then that Access Academies would eventually become an integral part of who I am today. I remember it so vividly because when I cannot tell you how mad I was that my mother made me do this program. As soon as I was told that I had to stay at school until 5:00 P.M. every single school day except Friday, I became exhausted just thinking of such a reality. But alas, soon, it was my reality. However, I hate to be cliché, but this truly became a case of the saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover”, because the program surpassed my expectations by far. The program consisted of two main parts. The first was an hour long study period. I am not one that usually struggles academically unless it is Calculus- which did not kick in for another four years thank God, but it became really helpful when I just wanted to finish up homework so I can go home and work on programming or something. The second component of the program consisted of various activities and challenges that would ultimately help us in the long run. Some of these activities included resumé writing, making a portfolio, creating and presenting presentations, searching things like high schools and colleges that we took an interest in, and many other things as well. When it came time to conclude my 8th-grade year, I realized just how much Access Academies had done for me.

It did not stop there. Even in high school, Access Academies was still a huge part of my life. My family struggles financially, but through generous donors like yourselves and others like alumni from DB and from Mike McMillan and the Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis, they made sure that I was able to make it towards my senior year and graduate, which I don’t take for granted because I know that not everyone can say that, so I truly recognize this as a blessing. With that being said, I would just again like to say thank you for all of your continuous support to programs like Access Academies, because it truly does make a difference, and I hope that my being here is a symbol for that.

Another great thing about Access Academies is the different opportunities that the organization offered me through different ways to connect with people and really get some networking done, which everyone knows can take you a long way just by simply having connections. Through Access Academies and my school, I heard about this other program that I am also a part of now. I don’t know if you have ever heard of it, but it is called the Saint Louis Internship Program. As the name suggests, this program offers internships over the summer to underprivileged students in the Saint Louis area. I have been a part of this program since my sophomore year of high school. Since then, I had been a Corporate IT Intern with Emerson Electric, but now I will be going over to Saint Luke’s hospital and will be interning with their Computer System’s team. Many of the skills that Access Academies taught me such as presentation skills, resumé writing, leadership, adaptability, computer literacy, etc., I could apply those to not only my academic life, but in the workplace as well, so Access Academies has had integral part in my life and continues to be, even beyond its own borders.

Now, there is one specific person that I believe has had the biggest and most monumental influence on the young man that I am today, that would be my Graduate Support, Ms. Joslyn Sandford, perhaps the greatest thing that Access Academies could have ever given me. This woman has stuck by not only my side, but all of my fellow peers from Saint Louis the King, ever since my 8th-grade year. Everyone has someone in their life that keeps them together, no matter how hard they have to knock some sense into you along the way. I have always looked forward to seeing Ms. Joslyn when she would come to visit and check on my progress at DuBourg. Most of the time, I had no problems so we would inevitably just end up sitting and talking until I had to return to class. From the bottom of my heart, I love you Ms. Joslyn, and I have no idea what I will do next year in college when I have no one to knock some sense into me, but I know that as long as I know you have faith in me, I will be just fine.

In conclusion, I simply want to leave you with a quote from author H Jackson Brown Jr that says, “Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity”. I like this quote because I feel that everyone can relate to it.
Because of the education I have received through Access and Bishop DuBourg High School, I have applied and been accepted to 49 colleges, 39 of which gave me extensive and prestigious scholarships, and as a result, I have around $2.9 million dollars in college scholarships. I had offers and scholarships from schools like Truman State, SLU, Loyola University (New Orleans and Chicago), Rockhurst, Tulane, University of Dayton, Xavier University (both Cincinnati and New Orleans), and countless more.

Finally, I eventually made a decision, as I will be attending Missouri University of Science and Technology, or Rolla, or S&T for short. Imagine making that decision and having to tell 48 colleges that you won’t be attending their school. Not fun whatsoever. At Missouri S&T, I plan to double major in Computer Science and Computer Engineering with a minor in business.

As a first-generation college student, I have set high, but achievable, goals for myself, and to be a role model for my two younger brothers as well. I want them to know that if they truly put their best effort towards something, then not only will they succeed, but they will thrive. With that education and eagerness, I hope to become a computer applications developer, and ultimately, become a pioneer and entrepreneur in the technological field.

Life is full of choices and opportunities, and everyone struggles with worrying about whether or not they make the right decisions. However, I can tell you all tonight that the decision that you made to invest in Access Academies and these young students was the right decision. These are students who have taken advantage of the opportunity that you have and will create for them. I know that when the time comes, they will be exactly where you are right now, carving the way for the future generations of leaders, politicians, scientists, mathematicians, writers, programmers, entrepreneurs, who will inevitably create a better tomorrow. Thank you.”

Below is a brief excerpt from Gaby Amezcua speech from the 9th annual ACCESS Academies Scholarship Dinner.

“I am Mexican / American, a proud daughter of two immigrant parents. Who came to the United States to provide a better future for themselves and their family. I know firsthand how hard my parents worked to get where they are now and the sacrifices they made like working two to three jobs in order for me to go to a private high school. 

I attended Saint Cecilia School and Parish. Not only did Saint Cecilia accept my family with open arms, the community became part of our family. They have amazing programs that help students with studying, extracurricular like robotics and mosaics, folkloric dancing. As well as having resources like helping to fill out FAFSA, educating families about the importance of college saving, and helping the students with study halls throughout high school and providing work study.

A majority of these students that are part of Access Academy are first-generation students whether that be high school or college. I remember being in these kids shoes. I was in this very same room 6 years ago, hoping that I would be able to attend the high school of my dreams. I’ve worked this event for the last five years and now I am here given the honor to speak tonight.

Being a first-generation student myself, I know the struggles that many of these kids face. Having to learn as you go and then having to explain it your family, even when you don’t think you fully understand it yet. Feeling like you don’t fit in, worried about the financial aspect when it comes to applying to the high school of your choice. Wondering if you’re even good enough to attend the school, and realizing that you’re going to need help. You can’t do this by yourself. Access Academies has academy directors that help students know that they have a storing support system backing them up. That they are not alone. People like Mrs. Klosterman, who helps, works during school and out of school. Worrying about us as if we were her own children. Wanting nothing but the best for us.

There will be obstacles and challenges. I remember my eighth-grade year a family member telling me that I would most likely become nothing. I would just be wasting my time and money going to private school. I would be another number on the list. That I would most likely drop out of school and start a family as a young mom. Even in high school having a teacher telling me I was not smart enough to attend the college of my dreams.

I was accepted to Notre Dame High school and graduated with a 3.5 G.P.A. I was accepted to all 8 colleges I applied to, getting the best financial aid packets in my entire eighth-grade class. I’m now attending Webster University studying Pre-Dentistry and Spanish on a full scholarship. Although I just finished my first year of college I am considered a junior with all of the extra credits I’ve taken. I’ll be applying to Dentistry School with a specialization of Orthodontist, next summer at UMKC. I’ve proved these people wrong and I will continue to prove people wrong by breaking these stereotypes and barriers that these kids can walk the same path as I and many others have.”

 

 

 

Having a strong educational foundation is the key to being successful in college and in life.  My parents, along with ACCESS, provided me the opportunity to get ahead of the game starting in middle school.

I graduated from ACCESS in 2010, and I can remember the long hours the curriculum required. Going to school from 8am-5pm was new for me, but after my sixth grade year I realized the advantages outweighed the negatives. The extended day gave me an opportunity to complete my homework at school and have access to teachers and tutors if I needed extra help.  In addition, I was also engaged in extracurricular activities with my classmates, sparking a love for basketball and team sports, while developing a healthy and fit way of life.  Finally, and most importantly, I was able to give back to my community on Saturday mornings, which inspired a life long commitment to social justice, giving back and serving the less fortunate.

With the academic and financial support of ACCESS, I was able to attend the high school of my choice, Villa Duchesne. The education and leadership skills I learned through ACCESS helped me thrive at Villa, and now at the University of Miami (UM). I am a currently a junior majoring in Biomedical Engineering.  Being a part of ACCESS, helped me manage my time at an early age, which is a vital skill for the college world. I am heavily involved on campus, serving as a Student Assistant in the College of Engineering Dean’s Office; Treasurer on the National Society of Black Engineers e-board; Engineer Student Ambassador; and of course balancing my academics overall. This was not always easy, but with the encouragement and pep talks from my Graduate Support Director, Joslyn Sandford, I was able to find the resources needed for success and regained focus and balance to college life.

In the future I plan to get my master’s degree in either engineering or prosthetics and maybe obtain my doctorate.  My ultimate goal and desire is to create and build prosthetics for those who are in need in hopes of improving their quality of life.  I am able to dream and reach higher heights because of the doors the ACCESS program has opened for me!  I will forever be grateful for the academic, social and financial support services I have received and continue to receive to date!

Sincerely,

Jasia Dickerson

(Maria’s story as told during the 7th Annual Scholarship Dinner)

My mother, brother, and I came to St. Louis as refugees from Colombia. My father, a policeman, was killed in action during the Colombian drug wars, and because the drug cartel targeted families, our lives were at risk. When we arrived in the states, my family and I did not know English, and we faced many challenges.

My educational journey began in the public school system. I attended second grade at a public school; however, I struggled due to the language barrier.

Fortunately, after meeting several other Hispanic families, we learned that St. Cecilia School and Academy had a great ESOL program.

I remember feeling very comfortable coming to St. Cecilia because there were several other students in my class who didn’t know English either.

My third grade teacher, Ms. Conte, made it her personal mission to help us learn English, and I had a competition with my classmates to see who would complete the ESOL program the fastest. I ended up completing it after my first year at the school.

The principal at St. Cecilia also helped my older brother get placed at Christian Brothers College High School, and he is now a student at Fontbonne University.

At home, my mother, who received a diploma in Columbia, found it to be of little use here so she had to work two low-wage jobs to provide for us. Her English skills were slowly developing during this time, and I remember translating for her when we would run errands or go grocery shopping.  However, my mom is very smart. She knew that education would provide a better life for us so she took GED classes in hopes of going to college and becoming a nurse.

As a young child, watching my mom make so many sacrifices, was hard, but the memories ingrained determination in me. If my mom could do it then so could I, and I wanted to be like her and make her proud by going to college. I just had to work hard to get there.

I was ready for middle school. At St. Cecilia, middle school students were given more responsibilities and opportunities to stand out. We wore different uniforms, changed classes, and started enrichment activities.

I knew that my day would be longer; however, I never expected it to be so much fun. For example, I learned how to step out of my comfort zone in a circus class.

I also learned that I had the power to be very influential through a video programming class taught by KDHX radio. I enjoyed the program so much I enrolled in KDHX’s summer enrichment program, and learned how to make commercials, take video, and use mac computers.

Through the NativityMiguel program, I was also able to attend the St. Louis University Summer Scholars program two years in a row. I went a third year and served as a Residential Advisor. I came back year after year because the Summer Scholars made going to college seem so easy, and I needed to believe that.

At home, my mother was now in community college, and working her way towards a nursing degree. She was also working her way up at Barnes Jewish Hospital. First, as a janitor, and then as a translator for Hispanic families. I remember her always being very tired, but she also told us hard work paid off.
Two important events happened during my middle school years are important to my story.

The first, was when my mom, after many years of being a single mom was able to find love again. She married, and I became a big sister to my step-brother.

The second, is meeting my Graduate Support Directors, Mr. Kelly and Mrs. Klosterman. Looking back, I did not realize my full potential, but they did. I did not know what high school I wanted to attend .

After shadowing both Nerinx Hall and Ursuline, I still wanted to go to Ursuline. However, Mr. Kelly and Mrs. Klosterman felt that Nerinx was a better fit for me so they sat me down and personally talked to me about my decisions. I remember them saying that my grades showed that I could excel at Nerinx and that my leadership abilities would be a good fit.

I was accepted to both. However, I chose Nerinx Hall after my interview. I met with the school’s Spanish teacher, and my entire interview was in Spanish. There was one point in the interview when she asked my mom to leave the room, and she asked me point blank if I wanted to go to Nerinx. I told her my story, and she said that the school would be a good match for me, and I believed her.

I am pausing here for a moment to say that St. Cecilia gave me a great educational foundation, but Nerinx was the icing on the cake. At Nerinx, I learned how to be empowered.

During my freshman year, I had a bit of trouble adapting to the school environment. I felt different because I was Hispanic in a predominately Caucasian school. However, I got involved and joined the Diversity Club, which helped me break out and find my voice.

Many students at the school did not know about Hispanic or Black culture; however, I learned that as a minority I could make a difference and teach my peers about stereotypes.

Nerinx let me be a leader, they let me experiment and question, they pushed me and challenged me, but most importantly they let me be me.

At home, my junior year was also rough. My stepfather was deported, and my mom was once again a single parent. My older brother was in college, I was in a private high school, and my step-brother, who stayed with us, was at St. Cecilia.

Schooling was expensive, but my mom was determined. We would get a good education. I knew I needed to help pick up some of the slack, and started working at Panda Express 40 hours a week.

Going to high school and working a full-time job was the hardest thing I had ever done.

This was the only time I ever really fought with my mom. I was so tired- I wanted to go to stop working , and school was getting harder as I was getting closer to finishing, I begged my mom to take me out and out me somewhere a bit easier but my mom refused . She told me nothing was impossible and even though it’s hard it was the right path for me. This challenge made me value my education on an entirely new level. I was paying for it. I was invested in it, and I was not going to fail.

My teachers at Nerinx knew I was struggling but still held high expectations of me. They would not take excuses, only solutions. Mrs. Klosterman stayed on top of me as well. I saw her a lot my senior year because I did not know about FAFSA and, due to having no money to pay for college, I did not know I had any college choices.

Mrs. Klosterman also set up college tours for me, and helped me with the application process. She made me feel valued.

I started receiving college acceptance letters around this time last year. My mom had this habit of opening up mail from universities that was not mailed to her. I remember coming home to a hysterical mom and opened letters on the dinner table. I have never been so over joyed to see my mom jumping up and done screaming “you did it!” I received acceptance letters to SLU, KU, UMKC, UMSL, and Rockhurst.

If you have ever been in the Graduate Support room at St. Cecilia School, then you know that there is a wall that lists the seniors’ names and where they have been accepted to college. Words cannot express how it made me feel seeing my name on that wall followed by not one, not two, but 5 colleges.

I knew then that my hard work had paid off, and that I was going places.

I chose Rockhurst University for several reasons. First, because I liked the small class size and the Jesuit education. I also received a good financial aid package, but what really stood out as was the nursing program.

My ultimate goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon, and I chose nursing because it is the cheapest and most realistic way to get there. The nursing program pays for your junior and senior year, and then provides three years of hands-on work training after graduation. It also allows me to get my foot in the door to explore healthcare careers and opportunities.

My first day on the Rockhurst campus I saw a banner hanging in the hall that said “Where Leaders Learn,” and I knew I made the right choice. In addition to my classes, I have joined clubs like SOL: which stands for Student Organization of Latinos. I also became a part of Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity, and cheered for the Rockhurst team.

I look forward to going back to school in the fall, knowing that I am one step closer to my dreams.
My gratitude for the support my family and I have received cannot be conveyed with words alone. I hope my actions show you that your support makes a direct impact on students like me.

Please continue to support the scholarship fund. Not just for me, but for my step-brother, who is currently enrolled in the middle school program at St. Cecilia. He took the deportation of his dad very hard; however, because of the support of the Graduate Support Directors at the school and the programming, he is learning to become an influential person, and I believe he will make an important difference for our community.