The RISE Postsecondary Success team partners with CT high schools to ensure all students graduate on time and complete milestones for their identified postsecondary plans. In the coming weeks, we will celebrate the accomplishments of graduating seniors in our Core Network schools. Their dedication, hard work, and resilience have led them to this important goal. Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
What is your plan, after you graduate high school?
Juaquin: I plan to attend the University of Connecticut for Actuarial Science & Economics with a minor in Computer Science.
Quinn: I plan to serve in the United States Air Force for Fire Protection.
What support did you receive to help you form your postsecondary plan?
Juaquin: Since I arrived in the U.S., I had an idea of what I wanted to do. However, I did not know about the difficulties that would come up along the path to college. But I had help through Wesleyan’s Upward Bound Math and Science Program, Summer Academy, and different staff members at Platt. I also attended different workshops that were offered by the school.
Quinn: I received massive amounts of support from Mrs. Cruz, College and Career Coordinator, and Mrs. Ojeda, School Counselor, but most importantly, from my mother and closest friends and family.
What advice would you give to a rising senior?
Juaquin: There are many things that I would like to say to rising seniors. One of them is that they should get involved in the community in any good way possible, like through community service. Also, I would recommend that they start working on different scholarship essays on the topics of community service, major, self-identity, and a general essay. I would also recommend taking as many ECE (early college experience) classes as possible because it will help toward college and save them money.
Quinn: The biggest advice that I would give to a rising senior is to use every resource available. Platt High School has so many teachers who can help you and opportunities that you could take advantage of, some of them happening daily or weekly. Some examples are when they hold the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) testing in school and having a guidance officer who listens to their students and knows that college isn’t the only pathway after high school.
What are you most proud of, as you look back on your high school experience?
Juaquin: I have learned that academic achievements are not the only ones that matter as you grow as a person. A person who is able to help people, be there, speak up, and do whatever it takes to make a better community is good too. I am proud of who I have become over the past years.
Quinn: The proudest moment of my high school career was how I handled work and sports management. I always made sure to get my work completed and tried my absolute hardest so that I would get distinguished honors while trying my absolute best with my sports to become a multiple sport varsity athlete and team captain.
What are you most looking forward to, as you look ahead to the future?
Juaquin: I’m looking forward to achieving everything I want to do in my life and to look back and be proud of it. Also, I want to be able to help my family in every way possible and to find peace within myself.
Quinn: I am so excited about the military and being able to do my dream job. I have wanted to do fire protection and become a firefighter my entire life, and knowing that I’m finally able to do it while serving my country makes me so excited for my future.
Follow along with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, as we continue to celebrate our amazing seniors!