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College student Brianna Lopez knows what it’s like to suddenly be forced to put one’s dreams on hold. Earlier this year, she was accepted to attend the University of California,… Continue Reading
College student Brianna Lopez knows what it’s like to suddenly be forced to put one’s dreams on hold.
Earlier this year, she was accepted to attend the University of California, Riverside. Brianna was ready to begin her studies. She would be the first in her family to pursue a college/university degree—setting her sights on earning a master’s degree in psychology.
Then the unexpected happened.
Her family was hit by a financial crisis and other hardships.
Even with her exceptional academic record in high school, the cost of a university education became too much for her family and her to absorb. Brianna made the difficult personal decision to withdraw from the university and continue her education at a more affordable level at Cypress College.
Yet, Brianna’s KidWorks’ story didn’t only begin in high school when the possibility of attending a university was just a few years away.
As a youngster, she enrolled in our state-licensed preschool, then attended KidWorks all the way through high school graduation.
During Brianna’s time at KidWorks, she benefitted from programs that include after-school tutoring, music appreciation, spring and summer events, youth leadership development and college preparedness activities, to name a few.
“Brianna has grown into an incredible young woman through our personal development, leadership, faith and academic programs,” says Clarisa Vargas, KidWorks’ College & Career Director.
Clarisa adds, “When Brianna made the difficult decision to leave UC Riverside, she made the most out of her situation by attending Cypress College and playing basketball.
“Brianna was a star basketball player at Godinez High School and was scouted by one of the coaches at Cypress College during her senior year but decided attending a university was the right choice at the time.”
The Cypress College basketball coach respected Brianna’s decision and warmly welcomed her back to the team when she re-enrolled in the college.
She’ll return to UC Riverside in the right timing; for now, she’s doing wonderfully both academically and athletically.
“KidWorks has walked alongside me in so many ways since I first learned the alphabet, colors and numbers in their preschool. They guided me in developing my faith, made me feel safe mentally, emotionally and physically; and motivated me to go to college and pursue my dreams.”
Brianna lopez
She adds, “KidWorks also helped me to develop my social skills, getting me out of my comfort zone and teaching me how to confidently speak in front of people.”
All of these life skills will power Brianna to pursue the big dreams and goals she’s set for herself: “I plan on earning my master’s degree, with a career as a sports psychologist or counselor for high school youth.”
Clarisa sees resolve and tenacity in Brianna.
“Brianna is very easy-going and has an incredible work ethic and sense of self,” Clarisa says. “She’s strongly motivated to chase her dreams and achieve them.”
Clarisa adds, “Through all the twists and turns of life, Brianna has the ability to have fun, be a leader and show self-growth and awareness. She’s had to make tough decisions in her life and does so with such remarkable grace.”
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
