Angela's Story
When I was eight years old, I lost my mother to lung cancer and four years later, my father passed away from lung cancer as well. Because I was so young, I never dwelt in the impact of my loss; instead, I mentally blocked out the events from my memories. Even now, I can barely describe what happened or what I was feeling. My focus was getting through each day; that was my normal.

After my parents’ deaths, I had a difficult time coping with the new changes in my life; I felt as if I had no potential for success. It wasn’t until my oldest brother took me in before I started high school that I started to focus on my personal growth. My brother's guidance inspired me to pursue a higher education. I understood that he gave up his goals in order to provide a stable home environment for me. This fed me with the fire to push through any barrier than I encountered. The more I came into realization of my potential, the clearer it became that my personal tribulations have not been holding me back in life, but instead, they have shaped me to be the strong and independent young woman I am today.

When I entered college, I was expected to take charge in my decisions. But these responsibilities were not difficult as I’ve been engineering my goals and aspirations for my entire life. Now, not only am I on the Dean’s Honor List, but I am a President’s Ambassador of Santa Monica College. I am a platinum member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and I continue to strive to provide free medical care for inner-city youth with The West Coast Sports Medicine Foundation. Also, the fact that I work three jobs to support myself and continue to go to school full-time signifies my endurance and persistence, despite my situation.

Even though I had my fair share of troubles, I always had an optimistic attitude about life. No, I did not grow up in a typical household but I was blessed to always have a full stomach and a roof over my head. I continued to push through my studies and made the best of what I had. I want to transfer to a four-year university because I want to a pursue a higher education in order to help those who are less fortunate. I believe that every child should have access to more than the bare necessities. One day, I hope to become a doctor in order to give children an opportunity to reach their fullest potential. I want to give back to the community that helped raise me: the teachers who were my mentors, the coaches that taught me how to trust my teammates, and my childhood friends who still keep in touch with me today. As an orphan, I understand how it feels like to be alone; how it feels like to feel abandoned. No child should ever feel that way.

I know that even though I have not had a traditional upbringing, my adversity has steeled me to carry through in my endeavors and prepared me for the years to come. My past is what continues to push me through the long, restless nights I stay up to study. And what will inspire me to accomplish my goals and my transfer objectives.




Our Goal
Angela will be headed to Berkeley in August.  She's worked very hard to get where she's at, so we wanted to help her with some college expenses.  Please help make our future doctor's college experience less stressful.  

Work hard and make us proud Angela!!!!!



Thanks everyone!!!