STUDENT HIGHLIGHT
ROOTS OF RESILIENCE: How Family Values & Scholarships Drive Academic Triumphs
BY AISHA NALDER
I was born and raised in Mexico City, in the vibrant neighborhood of Coyoacán, surrounded by history and culture. When I moved to the United States at 15, I carried with me not only my heritage but also the deeply held belief in the power of education—a belief instilled in me by my family. As the eldest of three siblings and the first immigrant student in my family, I faced the challenges of adapting to a new country, learning a new language, and balancing academic expectations.
focus on our education, stay engaged, and pursue our dreams without the constant worry of financial strain. This support goes beyond just paying for tuition or school supplies. It carries a deeper message that we belong in higher education, that our dreams are valid, and that we have a role to play in shaping the future of our communities and our country. For many minority students, scholarships can be the difference between continuing their education or having to pause their dreams to provide for their families.
For me, education has always been more than attending school—it has been
a pathway to opportunity, empowerment, and hope, especially for students from
Beyond the financial assistance, scholarships offer connection and mentorship. Donors and educators often become part of our support systems, helping us navigate the complexities of academic life and offering guidance for our future careers. I am profoundly grateful to the
Through education, we stand and deliver, not just for ourselves but for generations to come.
minority backgrounds. In high school, despite the difficulties of learning English and adjusting to a new system, I pushed myself to succeed. Eventually, I graduated with honors and earned
scholarships that helped my continuing path to success. Scholarships have transformed my life, opening doors that would have otherwise seemed impossible. Scholarships like those I received, including the CEI Foundation Scholarship, are much more than financial aid. They represent the belief in the potential of students like me—immigrant and minority students who may not have access to the same resources as others. Scholarships allow us to
CEI Foundation and its generous donors, whose support is not just an investment in individual students but in the future of our communities. Through education, we stand and deliver, not just for ourselves but for the generations to come. Thank you for believing in us!
4
Visit ceigiving.org or email scholarships@cei.edu
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker