I am excited to share that I am the first female student at my school, Gompers Preparatory Academy, to apply to the Harvard Summer program and has been accepted.   Applying is definitely the hardest thing I have done and makes me question whether or not I am smart enough. It is a lonely position to be in, but it would be harder not to try.  I currently received $10,000 in scholarship from Harvard, and the amount that I need to come up with is $2,000. 

 I am an 11th grader and first-generation college bound student who's attending Gompers Preparatory Academy in San Diego, CA. I come from a low-income community where gangs, high school dropouts, and teen pregnancy are more popular than college.  Where I am from, stereotypes would tell you that I should be thinking about getting married and pregnant instead of reading books or continuing my education; however, I refuse to fall into that thinking. I want to be able to make a difference for the women around me and my community. 

Any donations and help will be appreciated. I need all funds by May 15, 2017. Please give me the chance to learn and grow in ways that will change my life and help me make a path for others to follow.

Sincerely,

Lizbeth Serna
11th Grade Student
Gompers Preparatory Academy