Scholar Biographies |
Current 2005 - 2006 Scholars |
Catalina Alvarez Catalina plans to get her bachelor's degree in social work followed by a master's degree in family counseling and then a doctoroal degree in either sociology or another related to the social practice. Catalina is motivated by the words of her father who said, "I can only help you by supporting you in your education, because having an education is something that will never be taken away from you." |
Amber Bill Although Amber was raised on a reservation where education was not always stressed or pursued, she is committed to obtaining a Ph. D. While not the first person in her family to attend college, Amber will be the first person to apply to graduate school because she has learned the importance of Native people producing scholarships in Native American Studies, "I have been blessed with the guidance and support of other Native Scholars and professional Natie people who have influenced and encouraged me to continue my studies. I only hope I can do the same for other Native students in the future." |
Kalil Kamara With a strong desire to "make something better out of my life," Kalil hopes that the McNair Scholars program will provide him with the preoperation he needs to go to graduate school. He credits having Jesus as a part of his life for keeping him motivated and focused on his educational path. |
Alicia Marquez Alicia is very committed to continuing her education because she is the first person in her family to attend college. She is also motivated by "those who need help, those who are powerless, those who suffer injustice...because I want to make a difference in someone's life." Through the program Alicia hopes to gain knowledge that will help her obtain her Ph.D. then she can use her experience of being the daughter of a farm worker and a farm worker herself to help others who are faced with similar conditions. |
Lusi Martin Growing up in a poor town, Lusi believes a good education was her only chance to escape poverty. Lusi also credits her family and faith for supporting her academic journey. "I have been taught that even though things may look bleak and are not going the way you want them to, God has a plan and he wants me to be at my best." She hopes that the program will benefit her in her quest for a Ph.D. in public health. a poor |
Carmelita Miller Carmelita feels that education will allow her to become more aware of the world and help her to study the issues that people have encountered in the past and continue to face today. She would like to obtain a Ph.D. in history. Her parents were unable to achieve higher education which pushes Carmelita to achieve this goal. In doing so, she will not only obtain an elevated level of historical knowledge, she will also be given the opportunity to interact with others who have similar interests. |
Pang Moua Pang is the first in a family of nine children to attend college. The financial and language barrier hardships and struggles that Pang faced growing up motivated her to attend college. Although her parents knew little English, they always encouraged her to acquire a higher education. Pang hopes that the McNair Scholars Program will help her to gain researching techniques, skills and guidance in writing and applying to graduate schools in order for her to earn a Ph.D. in researching or Pharmaceutical. |
Priti Patel As a first generation college student Priti, who did not speak English when she arrived in the United State , has navigated the educational system without support. She hopes that the McNair Scholars Program will help guide her through her continued journey toward achieving a Ph.D. so that she can teach at the college level. Although she feels like her life has been full of surprises, struggles and hard work, these struggles have made her a strong and responsible person. |
Adrian Rocha-Alvarez Adrian is the first person in his family to attend college. His father has played the biggest role in motivating him to continue his education, "his motivation has influenced me to take advantage of this opportunity that he never had, and make him happy and proud of this decision." By obtaining his Ph.D. in sociology, Adrian hopes to become a high school or college counselor so that he can work with Latino youth and inform them of the opportunities available to them through education. |
Jennifer Simpson Since she was a child, Jennifer has envisioned becoming a doctor. Now, a single mother of three children, she is even more motivated to pursue a college education, "I wanted to reach my goals of earning both MD and Ph.D. degrees in order to do what I love - healing people, and provide better futures for my children." the McNair Program |
Adam Williams Although not the first individual in his family to attend college, Adam cites his family as his greatest inspiration to further his education. After completing his education at Sacramento State he would like to obtain an MA and a Ph.D. in digital media/film studies. He hopes that his involvement in the McNair Scholars Program will sharpen his skills and providing him with the resources necessary to succeed in Graduate School . |
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