For Ralston High School graduate Andi, education has always been the goal. A first-generation college student, Andi grew up knowing that school was the pathway to something more—not just for herself, but for her entire family.
This fall, she’ll take a major step forward: attending Washington University in St. Louis to study mechanical engineering. “I’ve never been away from my family for so long,” she shares. “But I’m ready to grow and explore. I know the university and my College Possible coach will have resources to support me, and I’m excited to find my place.”
Andi is a standout student and athlete, involved in basketball, track, Quiz Bowl, and National Honor Society. Her passion for STEM started early, through robotics in elementary school, and evolved into a growing interest in hands-on, versatile careers. Though she once considered biotechnology, she now envisions a future in mechanical engineering—possibly paired with a minor in French, computer science, or robotics.
“Mechanical engineering gives me a lot of options,” Andi says. “I love tech and design, and eventually I want to work on things like prosthetics, cars, or innovations that blend biology and tech, like something out of a sci-fi movie.”
Support that made the difference
Andi joined College Possible after learning about the program through outreach efforts at her school. As the oldest in her family, she didn’t have anyone to guide her through college applications and wasn’t sure what to expect when it came to applying, choosing a school, or writing personal essays. With the support of her coach, she was able to navigate the process confidently and apply for the highly competitive QuestBridge National College Match scholarship.
She was selected as a recipient, earning a full four-year scholarship covering tuition, room, and board.
I’m so grateful for that,” she says. “The application process was a lot, especially the personal essays and all the supplemental pieces, but having someone to walk me through it made all the difference.”
With college paid for, Andi now feels a sense of freedom and relief. “I don’t have to worry about debt, and my parents don’t have to either,” she says. “Now I can focus on exploring new things like internships, study abroad, and clubs. I want to get involved and experience as much as I can.”
Her long-term goals are both grounded and imaginative. She hopes to build a stable career, support her family, and eventually travel the world. A self-proclaimed foodie, she dreams of exploring new cultures. She’s also open to graduate school someday, though she’s excited to start working and learning on the job first.
“I want to do things I couldn’t do growing up. I want to make the most of every opportunity,” she says. “And I want to show my siblings that it’s all possible.”
