Breadwinner Alumni: Inspiring Success Stories of Overcoming Obstacles
This article showcases the inspiring journeys of several individuals who, despite facing significant challenges in their early lives, achieved remarkable success through determination, support systems, and innovative programs. From navigating the complexities of higher education as first-generation college students to breaking cycles of poverty, these breadwinner alumni demonstrate the power of resilience and the transformative impact of education and opportunity.
Finding a Path Through Art and Design
One alumnus reflects on their journey, acknowledging the obstacles encountered before discovering their true calling. Growing up in a low-income household with a father working for TriMet, this individual found an opportunity through College Possible, which helped them envision a future career. Initially drawn to the arts, particularly the visual language of skateboarding, they didn't initially believe graphic design was a viable career path. However, after declaring a business major at the University of Oregon and experiencing culture shock due to the privileged backgrounds of many peers, they realized business wasn't their passion.
The support from College Possible coaches during campus visits proved invaluable during this phase. Eventually, they transitioned to art and technology, fully committing to design. This transition was aided by the guidance and emotional support received from their coach. Since graduating, they have gained experience at a screenprinting shop and are now working as a freelance graphic designer, leading creative projects at Caldera, a nonprofit supporting youth and artists in Oregon. They express gratitude for programs like College Possible, which make higher education more accessible to individuals from similar backgrounds. College, despite its challenges, provided a space for personal growth, adaptation, and aligning their career with their passion. "Pay attention to what you can’t stop thinking about," they advise.
From Military Service to Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
Another inspiring story is that of Foley, the founder and CEO of Yuzi Care, a managed marketplace for parental healthcare. Foley's path was far from linear. She served for seven years as a platoon leader in Afghanistan and Hawaii and as a supply chain and operations officer in California. She became a U.S. citizen just before starting West Point. After leaving the military, Foley attended Tuck, initially considering a career in investment banking. However, the experience of becoming a mother shifted her focus entirely. Recognizing the untapped business opportunity in the postpartum market, she drew upon her diverse experiences and entrepreneurial spirit.
To better understand the birthing process, Foley became a doula. She partnered with hospital systems and employers to build a network and created a software platform to manage the consumer experience. Today, Yuzi Care helps parents arrange services like 24/7 healthcare support and breastfeeding education. Despite lacking a healthcare background, Foley credits her Tuck education with providing the general management skills needed to ask the right questions, build a strong team, and adapt quickly.
Read also: Confessions of a Winner
Overcoming First-Generation Challenges at Harvard
Adapting to college life presents unique challenges for first-generation students. Josh St. Louis, a Harvard alumnus, recalls feeling like he was entering a different world. As the first in his family to attend college, he lacked a baseline understanding of the college experience. After a difficult first year, St. Louis thrived, graduating cum laude and earning MD and MPH degrees from Tufts University School of Medicine.
Now a resident physician, St. Louis is also a mentor for first-generation students at Harvard. He provides invaluable guidance and support to students navigating unfamiliar territory. The mentorship program, which has grown significantly since its inception, pairs first-generation freshmen with alumni who have similar experiences. St. Louis emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, a skill he learned during his own college journey.
St. Louis's success is deeply rooted in his mother's unwavering support. As one of five children of French Canadian immigrants, she sacrificed her own educational aspirations to become the breadwinner at age 16. Her dedication inspired St. Louis to excel, even in the face of limited resources and high dropout rates at his high school. Financial aid was a crucial factor in his college decision, and he was surprised and grateful to be accepted into Harvard.
Despite the initial academic struggles, St. Louis found a supportive community in the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College, which helped him embrace the opportunities Harvard offered. He now encourages his mentees to do the same.
Rrapi, another first-generation Harvard student, echoes St. Louis's sentiments. His parents, farmers from Albania, prioritized education for their children. Rrapi excelled academically and was admitted to a prestigious magnet school. Like St. Louis, financial considerations heavily influenced his college choices.
Read also: Unlocking the National Merit Scholarship
Upon arriving at Harvard, Rrapi initially felt insecure and struggled to relate to his classmates. However, St. Louis's mentorship helped him overcome these challenges and gain confidence. Rrapi is now involved in Harvard College Alzheimer's Buddies, a program that connects students with Alzheimer's patients. He also serves as a Peer Advising Fellow, mentoring current freshmen.
Breaking the Cycle Through Opportunity and Support
Brittany Modica and Haben Tilahun, graduates of Year Up United, exemplify the transformative power of opportunity and support. Both women, as young mothers, faced significant obstacles. Brittany, who grew up in poverty and became pregnant at 16, was working at a consignment store when she learned about Year Up United. Haben, an Uber and Lyft driver pursuing a career in mechanical engineering, also found her plans altered by motherhood.
Year Up United provided them with the skills and support they needed to launch successful careers at Microsoft. Brittany emphasizes the importance of breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a stable life for her daughter. Haben highlights the challenges of balancing motherhood, work, and education but affirms that it was worth the effort.
The Data Analytics specialty in Year Up United equipped them with valuable skills, including Excel proficiency, time management, and communication. Haben, who is from Ethiopia, also learned how to navigate corporate communication styles. Both women praise the supportive culture at Microsoft, where managers advocate for their employees and prioritize work-life balance.
Brittany and Haben are actively involved in the new hire community at Microsoft, providing support and guidance to new employees. They emphasize the importance of staying focused, committed, and asking questions. Their success stories demonstrate that with the right opportunities and support, individuals from challenging backgrounds can achieve their dreams. Brittany has since been promoted three times and shifted into Microsoft’s Core Finance Team, while Haben has been promoted twice and now holds the position of Software Engineer II.
Read also: Remember UConn's 2011 NCAA Victory?
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