making a difference in the community
Yamileyka Rojas '17
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Yamileyka (Yami) Rojas, a transfer student new to MCLA, has recently discovered the sense of community on campus. She believes the College is home to “people who help one another achieve their goals and inspire the motivation to strive for success." With that being said, Yami shapes her education around her aspiration to conquer her dreams of obtaining a Master's Degree and then pursuing a career in the writing industry.
Yami’s determination stems directly from her passionate disposition. An English major with a concentration in writing, Yami understands the fluid nature of language. Her studies are centered on the value of experience, and in learning such, Yami acknowledges how the future can be unpredictable, however, exciting.
Yami tries to utilize her talent to help others through volunteer programs. Her participation in WriteStuff, an after-school writing workshop for elementary students, allows her to help students prosper as writers and let their interest of language grow. Similarly, Yami is involved with another after school program held at Adam’s Youth Center, in which she not only mentors students who need help with homework but entertains them through activities like baking or science experiments as well. Yami admires the opportunity to work with these programs and feels they allow her to make a difference in the community while getting the satisfaction of helping others develop.
This semester, Yami chose to take further her involvement in the community, specifically through her participation with MCLA’s Phonathon. Yami wanted to work with Phonathon because she recognizes that the program stands to promote student progress by providing financial aid to those in need. "I was admitted to the College with financial support from the school, and wanted to show my appreciation by contributing to the endeavors that provide other students benefit from the same types of opportunities I have received.".
Yami believes, “you can live up to the expectations that you have for yourself both academically and socially, especially if you reach out to those that have the answers to your questions. Success is attainable; you just need to learn how to use your resources wisely."
During her time at MCLA, Shadea has fully embraced the many opportunities available to her, participating in theatre, the WJJW Radio Station, and Dance Company. This semester, Shadea is embarking on what may be “one of the most rewarding experiences of her life,” studying abroad at the University of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas. While there she will be taking classes in English, Communications, and Theatre, auditioning for their dance team, and exploring opportunities with the University’s radio station. Shadea’s study abroad experience was made possible through the National Student Exchange Program and was funded by applying her financial aid awards from MCLA.
Shadea is just one example of the impact financial aid makes. Did you know that 46% percent of all MCLA students were eligible for Federal Pell Grants last year and that 90% of all MCLA students applied for financial aid? Due to this increasingly pressing need, this year the College has introduced a special scholarship initiative to help increase funds available to our students and their families. The need is greater now than ever before. When you give to the Alumni Fund, you are making it possible for MCLA’s students, like Shadea, to begin and complete their journey; allowing them to fulfill their dreams and discover their passions.