Meet the unstoppable class of 2020
As the end of summer draws near, the Earl Woods Scholarship Class of 2020 is getting ready to conquer their new goals in college. Although these scholars come from commonly underrepresented backgrounds, they are ready to tackle any obstacle that comes their way. Their unorthodox, unafraid and unstoppable sentiments, to name a few, will be the driving force of their success. Get ready to be inspired by these dogged young adults.
Name: Muram Bacare
College: Boston University
Major: Architectural Studies
Hometown: Boston
Favorite un-word: Unafraid. I identify with the word unafraid because I challenge myself without fear of failure. I have come to understand that failure is part of the learning process and making mistakes stimulates growth.
Name: Michelle Bravo
College: University of Rochester
Major: Mathematics & Biology
Hometown: New York
Favorite un-word: Unafraid. I am not afraid to get out of my comfort zone, even at the risk of failure, because it makes people stronger.
Name: Christopher Camacho
College: Tufts University
Major: Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Orange County, California
Name: Vanessa Cruz
College: University of California, Irvine
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Hometown: Orange County, California
Favorite un-word: Unorthodox. I identify most with unorthodox because I am always pushing myself to succeed in different ways. I constantly seek to get out of my comfort zone and accept different ideas.
Name: Merobi Degefa
College: University of Pennsylvania
Major: Biochemistry
Hometown: District of Columbia
Favorite un-word: Unstoppable. I most identify with unstoppable. Although there have been a lot of situations and failures that could possibly hinder my success, I didn’t let them stop me.
Name: David Garcia
College: Bates College
Major: Economics
Hometown: Orange County, California
Favorite un-word: Unorthodox. I mostly identify with unorthodox because I am not traditional. I pride myself in being different and believe it is what has led me to where I am now.
Name: Christopher Holguin
College: University of California, Los Angeles
Major: Environmental Science
Minor: Environmental Systems & Society
Hometown: Orange County, California
Favorite un-word: Unwavering. I am unwavering. I am deeply committed to realizing my endeavors to their fullest extent. Once I have an objective in my sights, I will do everything in my power to achieve it.
Name: Cullen Lee
College: Boston College
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Boston
Favorite un-word: Unlimited. In my mind, I have no limits to what I can accomplish.
Name: José Castillo Melo
College: Holy Cross
Major: Physics
Hometown: Boston
Favorite un-word: Unorthodox. I always look for a different approach to problems in order to complete my goals at all costs.
Name: Aubriana Mency
College: Hampshire College
Major: Theater & Sociology
Hometown: Boston
Favorite un-word: Unbreakable. I relate the most with unbreakable. People often commend me for my strength to push through hard times and stay focused.
Name: Christine Nzokou
College: University of Maryland, College Park
Major: Cell Biology & Genetics
Minor: Public Health
Hometown: District of Columbia
Favorite un-word: Unstoppable. I am unstoppable. When I set my mind to something, I am determined to achieve it.
Name: Edwin Ordonez
College: Princeton University
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Disitrict of Columbia
Favorite un-word: Unwavering. I identify with unwavering because once I set a goal for myself and set my mind to it, I am unshakeable.
Name: Marcelo Quijano
College: University of California, Berkeley
Major: Integrative Biology & Cultural Anthropology
Hometown: Orange County, California
Favorite un-word: Unorthodox. I identify as unorthodox because I always strive to be different in the way I live my life. Hence, I follow what I believe to be true and my own norms.
Name: Oscar Reyes
College: University of Califonia, San Diego
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Orange County, California
Favorite un-word: Unrelenting. I see myself as a very persistent person. I do not like leaving things unfinished, so I won’t stop working until I am satisfied.
Name: Erica Rivera
College: Stanford University
Major: Mathematical & Computational Science
Hometown: Orange County, California
Favorite un-word: Unbreakable. No matter my failures I will never give up. No matter the struggle I will move forward. Nothing will break me.
Name: Jessica Rivera
College: Stanford
Major: Mathematics
Hometown: Orange County, California
Favorite un-word: Unstoppable. I know what I want, and I will do whatever it takes to accomplish my dreams.
Name: Benjamin Saint Fort
College: Northeastern University
Major: Civil Engineering
Hometown: Boston
Favorite un-word: Unstoppable. I am unstoppable. My faith in God is the reason for my success and positive traits.
Name: Tsion Taye
College: Lehigh University
Major: Computer Science & Business
Hometown: District of Columbia
Favorite un-word: Unrelenting. I am unrelenting because I do not give up easily when I encounter challenges. I try as hard as I can to not give up. If I do fall, I get back up.
Name: Kelly Tran
College: Skidmore College
Major: Educational Studies & Sociology
Hometown: New York
Favorite un-word: Unorthodox. I grew up in a primarily Hispanic neighborhood and learned to embrace and incorporate this culture into my own life. Hence, I not only know Vietnamese, but also Spanish, as well as how to dance Bachata and Merengue.
Name: Ruben Triscareno
College: University of California, Irvine
Major: Biology
Hometown: Orange County, California
Favorite un-word: Unrelenting. The trait that I most identify with is unrelenting because I am always moving forward despite any obstacles. The “I’ll rest when I’m dead” attitude that is in me keeps me going.
Join us for a Celebration of Unexpected Champions.
