Alumni Success Stories: Maria D. Cruz
Position:
MedSurg/Telemetry Registered Nurse at Methodist HospitalEducation:
Edison High School, class of 1995 Pennsylvania State University, Class of 2000, BA in Letters, Arts, and SciencesHome:
Philadelphia, PAWhat effect did White-Williams Scholars have on your life?
Much of my youth was filled with tremendous challenges. My family struggled in poverty and often wrestled with many vices like apathy, alcoholism, and abuse. Amidst all the distress that made up my life, it was help from the outside that offered me the relief and motivation that I needed. Programs like White-Williams Scholars made a tremendous difference in my life. The monthly check covered an extensive amount of my expenses, expenses that my parents could not afford to cover. It covered things like school supplies, lunch, college application fees, and senior fees. I remember the relief my mother displayed when I informed her about my participation in this program. She would say with great happiness, "nena esto lo mando Dios" – daughter, this was sent from God. Thank God and thank you to all who made my complicated life easier.
Why did you want to be a program coordinator for White-Williams Scholars?
During the struggles that encompassed my youth, I was blessed with people who motivated and supported me. Some support was visible, like the support I received from my counselors and teachers. I remember one counselor in particular, Mr. P., took the time to lead, to encourage, and to challenge me to new heights. I also had other support that came from less "visible" sources like White-Williams Scholars and, as I said before, that check made a great difference in my world. Before any support came into my life, my horizons went no further than the corner store. Today, after all the support that I have received, my possibilities have expanded far beyond what I ever thought possible. When I heard that White-Williams Scholars was looking for a program coordinator, I was excited. Not only was it a possibility to work with some wonderful students, but most importantly, it was an opportunity to serve in a role that would enable me to support, to encourage, and to lead youth.
I want to help students overcome the obstacles that come between them and an education.I have the knowledge that I have gained, the experiences that I have lived through, and the hope that people like Mr. P. gave to me. I understand the challenges that students face today and I hope to use all these things to help our students rise beyond to horizons they never thought possible.
