When Sana first heard about College Possible Texas, it wasn’t through a flyer or a school announcement. It was through family. Her older sister had gone through the program at Crockett High School in South Austin, building a strong relationship with her coach and staying in touch even after starting college. That deep connection inspired Sana to follow in her sister’s footsteps.
“I started in my junior year,” Sana recalls. “But my senior year? That’s when everything changed.” She was paired with Emma, a coach she describes as “endlessly helpful.”
From reviewing countless college essays to navigating the stress of applications, Emma became an essential guide through Sana’s senior year. “I was already constantly asking my school counselor for help, but having another person in my corner made such a difference. It felt incredibly supportive.”
Today, Sana is pursuing a degree in environmental engineering at the University of Texas at Austin—a path shaped by her academic interests and thoughtful conversations with her coach. “Emma didn’t study the same thing I’m doing, but she helped me think through what college would be like—study routines, housing, even how to think through decisions based on finances.”
That tailored, whole-student support didn’t stop at high school graduation. In her first semester at UT, Sana faced a difficult challenge: a financial aid error involving a scholarship. “I was overwhelmed,” she says. “The information from UT’s financial aid office kept changing, and I didn’t know what to do.” That’s when Anakaren, her new College Possible coach, stepped in.
She rallied a whole team, including someone who had worked at UT’s financial aid office and someone from the scholarship team. They all got on a Zoom call with UT and me, it was incredible. They walked me through every step. I would’ve been completely lost without them.”
Now deep into college coursework, Sana says the program has equipped her with more than just college application strategies; it’s taught her life skills. “I’ve always struggled with time management and procrastination, but knowing someone was waiting to read my essays kept me accountable. I couldn’t let them down.”
She also emphasizes the value of knowing when and how to ask for help. Sana understands that opportunities are all around her. “That’s something College Possible instilled in me. Even in college, I reach out for academic coaching and support groups. I actively look for resources and don’t hesitate to use them.”
Sana is still exploring her career options after completing her undergraduate degree. Grad school, law school, or a career in environmental engineering are all possibilities. But one thing is clear: her college education is a cornerstone for whatever comes next.
To students just beginning their journey, Sana offers encouragement: “College Possible has defined some of the most important parts of my college journey. I’d recommend it to anyone. You’ll have a great experience.”
Sana’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when support, opportunity, and ambition come together—and how one mentor, one moment of guidance, can make all the difference.
