Yoana Torres

My name is Yoana Torres; I am a Heritage University and EAGLES Scholar Alumni. Being a first-generation student brought forth various challenges. Ever since I was a little girl, I had to learn to navigate my studies on my own. My parents did not obtain an education or even complete elementary school thus I had no one at home to help when I had questions. They supported me as best they could when I was younger but going into college was entirely different. College did not only challenge me mentally, but it produced a financial challenge. This is why I am grateful for the EAGLES program. It did not only provide advising support to help me navigate a new world and challenging field, but it also provided tremendous financial support. The mentorship, advising, internship opportunities, and scholarship supplied through the EAGLES Program allowed me, a first-generation student, to graduate with minimal unnecessary hardships.