For Hector, the path to college was anything but simple. A first-generation college student, he grew up watching his parents work tirelessly to build a better future for their children. But when it came time to apply for college, he initially faced the process alone.
“My older brother is the only person in my family who has gone to college, but he doesn’t live with us,” Hector says. “I had to figure everything out by myself. The FAFSA, applications, scholarships. It was overwhelming.”
Despite early doubts about college, his passion for business was undeniable. When Hector was six years old, his parents began running their own food truck, where he learned firsthand what it takes to manage a small business. By his sophomore year of high school, he launched his own car-detailing business, combining his love for cars with his entrepreneurial spirit.
Finding Guidance Through College Possible
While he had the motivation, the logistics of applying to college were another story. That’s when College Possible stepped in.
From the start, College Possible provided Hector with the support he needed to make his college dreams a reality. His coach, Katie, guided him through every step of the application process—from filling out the FAFSA to writing scholarship essays and navigating financial aid options.
“College Possible completely took the financial burden off my shoulders,” he says. “Without this program, I wouldn’t have even known where to start.”
The Scholarship That Changed Everything
Applying to Creighton University was straightforward, but securing financial aid was another challenge. One of the biggest turning points in his journey came when Katie encouraged him to apply for the Walter and Suzanne Scott Scholarship—a full-ride award covering tuition, room, and board. “I didn’t completely meet the requirements,” Hector recalls. “But Katie went to Creighton and knew the right people. A week later, they let me apply.”
The day Hector got the call, he was in his third-period English class. “It said ‘Creighton University.’ I stepped into the hallway, and the dean from the Heider College of Business told me I got the scholarship,” he recalls. “I just started crying.”
The scholarship, worth around $250,000 over four years, lifted an enormous financial burden off his shoulders. And his success didn’t stop there. Thanks to Katie’s recommendation and assistance, he also received a $20,000 Dell Scholars Program Scholarship. “Sometimes, I still can’t believe it,” he says. “This is life-changing. It’s like winning the golden ticket.”
Now as he settles into his freshman year at Creighton, Hector is eager to explore business, finance, and fintech while continuing to grow his entrepreneurial skills. He is still deciding on a specific career path, but one thing is certain—he wants to make an impact. “Having an education will give me opportunities my parents never had,” he says. “In my culture, we don’t send our parents to retirement homes, we take care of them. Knowing I can support my family one day is an amazing feeling.”
For a student who once doubted if college was for him, the future is now full of possibilities—one Hector is ready to pursue with the same determination that got him here.
