First Generation College Dreams

Greetings! My name is Fabiola Dormezil and I am a senior at Parkrose High school in Portland, OR. As some of you may know, being a first generation college student in your family is a big honor and title to hold. To tell the truth college was a decision that at times I felt as if I wasn't good enough for. That proved to be very wrong my junior year of high school.
My grandmother passed away from cancer on October 11th, a year before my freshman year of highschool. My grandmother came to the U.S as a Haitian immigrant back in the 90’s for a chance at better life, a chance for education, and a chance to finally be able to live with the assurance of safety. My grandma told me, “if you’re going to go hard for something go hard for what you love, whatever you do in life do it 100 percent and don’t do it for anybody but yourself”. When my grandmother passed, I believe my life fell apart. I was diagnosed with depression and an anxiety disorder. I lost track of life, and in the end I lost myself. My freshman year of high school following her death was the hardest for me mentally and emotionally. This experience changed my life for the worst, but changed me for the better. I had an average 1.5-2.0 gpa for both years but coming into my junior year I made a promise to myself that I was not going to fall into the same pattern. I was going to prove to myself and others that I am capable of doing better than before. I was going to show them that no matter what life throws at me I had goals set that I would accomplish. At the end of my junior year, I had earned a 3.75 GPA! This was the best I had done ever in all my years of high school. As a result of this experience, I learned to never give up. I learned perseverance, mental strength and emotional stability. I learned that God only puts you through what he knows you can handle, and you never really understand why something happens until you realize why.
This life changing experience is what gave me that final push of motivation to further my education and live up to the expectations my grandmother left for me. Like others, I do not come from a wealthy family. I was born to two hard working Haitian immigrants who have supported me throughout my high school education.
This fall I plan to attend my dream school Clark Atlanta University majoring in business marketing with a double major in fashion design. I have a true passion for attending a university and earning a college degree. I believe that by making this decision I will be able to better my life and that of those around me.
The money raised would go to my first year of college this fall helping with any fees and costs not covered by financial aid. I thank you for listening to my story and hope that you find this worthy of a donation. Thank you, God bless.