AiYi C., of Stockton, Calif., is in her junior year at San Jose State University, where she studies business administration and accounting. After graduation, AiYi plans to use her finance skills to work for non-profit organizations that focus on taking care of vulnerable seniors.
Natalya C., from San Mateo, Calif., graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and currently studies at New York University, majoring in global liberal studies. During the last four years, Natalya took both high school and college classes at her city’s local college and was placed on the Dean’s List. In addition to her studies, Natalya was a varsity cheerleader, soccer player, cellist, and teacher of her original writing program for young teens.
Alejandro G. hails from Bakersfield, Calif., and is attending Harvard University for his post-secondary education. Alejandro is studying computational neuroscience, with plans to obtain a secondary in either applied mathematics or economics, and a language citation in Chinese. While Spanish is Alejandro’s native language, he learned English by watching Shrek and Looney Tunes, and he taught himself Portuguese at age 10.
Maeve L. is from Chico, Calif., and is currently a sophomore at the University of California, Berkeley. Maeve is pursuing a double major in political economy and political science. In addition to participating in sports such as swimming, basketball, and track, Maeve is active in charity work, having volunteered with organizations such as World Central Kitchen and Operation Homefront.
Phoebe H., of San Carlos, Calif., is attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo to study nutrition. Phoebe is passionate about sports, participating in cross-country, soccer, and lacrosse. She also volunteers with the National Charity League.
Jose I. is from Bakersfield, Calif., and takes great pride in being a part of the community there. Jose is attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and studying electrical engineering. Jose wishes to pursue a career that will allow him to give back to his parents, whom he says worked hard to give him and his sisters the best lives possible.
Megan K., of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., is studying international business at George Washington University. In her free time, Megan volunteers with Washington, D.C.’s homeless population through Miriam’s Kitchen. After graduating from George Washington, she hopes to combine her interests in service work and business by starting her own social venture.
Jacob L. hails from Chico, Calif., and is attending University of California, Irvine to study biological sciences. Jacob swam on the varsity swim team and was awarded the Viking Award for outstanding athletic achievement. Jacob aspires to become a surgeon for a university-affiliated hospital.
Mikiala M., of Kahului, Hawaii, is attending University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she is studying nursing. Mikiala loves to read, spend time with her family, and volunteer in her community. She hopes that by going back to school, Mikiala can show her daughter that anything is possible.
Tayler S., from Belen, N.M., attends University of New Mexico and is studying psychology. During the 2019-2020 school year, Tayler worked as an education assistant at the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy, where she plans to continue volunteering.
Alec S., from Bainbridge Island, Wash., is attending the University of Wyoming, where he studies kinesiology and psychology. Alec is an avid baseball player.
WeiHuan C., from Stockton, Calif., attends Stanford University and is studying biology and computer science. He aspires to pursue a career in the medical field. He is passionate about volunteering and tutored underserved middle school and high school students at East Palo Alto Tutoring Center and Matriculate Advising Fellow Stanford Chapter.