For Grace, a sophomore at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), the journey to higher education has been anything but typical. A first-generation college student and immigrant from Zambia, Grace embodies resilience, determination, and hope.
Her story begins in Zambia, where education was a privilege, not a given. Unlike the United States, there was no free public education system in her home country. Grace and her family lived as refugees, enduring years of rigorous evaluations before being granted resettlement in the United States. The move, which occurred during Grace’s senior year of high school, introduced her to an entirely new educational system at one of the most pivotal moments of her academic career.
“Moving to the U.S. was exciting but overwhelming,” Grace says. “The college application process here is so different from Zambia, and I had no idea where to start.” Despite these challenges, Grace found inspiration in her older siblings, who had pursued impressive careers in the medical field. Their example motivated her to aim high, but the cost of college in the U.S. loomed large, threatening to derail her dreams. “I thought it would be impossible to go to college and was scared because it was so expensive. I felt very alone,” says Grace.
A life-changing partnership
Grace’s turning point came when a school counselor introduced her to College Possible. With the help of her high school coach, Dayana, Grace tackled the FAFSA and began exploring scholarships. Dayana’s support made all the difference. “Having someone explain everything step-by-step was so impactful,” Grace shares. “I finally felt like I could believe in my dream of going to college.”
One scholarship in particular changed the course of Grace’s life: the Goodrich Scholarship, a full-ride opportunity for students from underrepresented and underinvested backgrounds at UNO. When the acceptance letter arrived, Grace was overwhelmed with emotion. “I saw the UNO logo on the envelope, and it felt like time stopped,” Grace remembers. “When I read the word ‘congratulations,’ I cried. It was like Christmas morning, but ten times better. I realized I was really going to college.”
Navigating new paths
Initially pursuing political science with aspirations of becoming a lawyer, Grace soon realized her passion lay elsewhere. Enrolling in UNO’s exploratory studies program allowed her to discover her true interests in business. Today, Grace is a business administration major with concentrations in human resources and economics. “Business offers so much versatility,” Grace explains. “I love working with people, and every company needs a human resources department.”
Grace’s curiosity and drive have led her to internships that provide real-world experience. Through the Siembra Nebraska internship program offered by the Latino Center of the Midlands, Grace began interning at the Midlands African Chamber, where she gained firsthand knowledge of nonprofit management and was later offered a paid role as a membership intern. “I really enjoy my internship because it gives me a taste of what business and nonprofit management entails,” Grace says.
A promising future ahead
While Grace’s career path isn’t set in stone, her aspirations remain high. Whether pursuing human resources, policy, or revisiting her initial goal of law school, she’s determined to carve out a meaningful and impactful future.
Grace credits her family and College Possible coaches for keeping her grounded and motivated. “Having a College Possible coach is like a reminder that somebody always cares,” she says.
As Grace reflects on her journey from Zambia to Omaha, she recognizes the power of persistence and community. “A college degree symbolizes that I kept fighting even when it didn’t seem like things would work out,” she says. For Grace, the future is filled with possibility, and she’s ready to seize it.
