The path to college can often feel like navigating a vast, uncertain ocean, especially for students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. For Salem, a recent graduate of Del Valle High School, the turning point came during her senior year when she was paired with her College Possible coach, Sarah.
“My coach has supported me by being like a north star, guiding me closer to my academic goals,” Salem shares.
Like many students new to the college application process, Salem initially felt overwhelmed. “I was clueless about applying to colleges and which schools even to consider,” she admits. Adding to the challenge was her passion for fashion merchandising, a specialized field that made finding the right program feel even more daunting.
Fashion has always been more than an interest for Salem; it has been a lifelong passion. “Art and design were rooted in my childhood. When I was a kid, I would use anything to dress my Barbies: shaping paper towels into dresses, drawing prints on them with markers, and holding them together with rubber bands,” she recalls. “Receiving a sewing machine on my eighteenth birthday solidified my dream of launching a clothing brand with my name and story woven into every garment.”
Turning that dream into a reality, however, required more than creativity. It took guidance, resources, and a roadmap. That’s where College Possible’s hands-on, personalized support made all the difference.
“Ms. Sarah helped me navigate that uncertainty by creating a focused list of schools with strong fashion-related majors,” Salem explains. “That kind of targeted support gave me the clarity I needed to move forward with confidence.”
Sarah’s support didn’t stop at building a college list. She worked closely with Salem to refine every part of her application. “I applied to several schools and constantly asked Sarah for feedback on my essays,” Salem says. “Her insights were invaluable. They set a standard I now bring to all my writing.”
That hard work and mentorship paid off.
I was accepted to nearly every school I applied to, including my ultimate ‘reach’ school!” Salem says with pride. “When those acceptance letters started rolling in, I was ecstatic. It felt like a dream come true, and I know it wouldn’t have happened without her unwavering belief in me.”
Salem’s story is a powerful reminder of the profound impact a trusted mentor can have on a student’s life. “I used to hesitate to ask for help from my teachers, but opening up to my College Possible coach felt completely natural,” she reflects. “Her support made the whole process feel not just achievable, but exciting.”
This fall, Salem will begin her next chapter at the University of Texas at Austin, where she will pursue a degree in textiles and apparel. Her dream is clear: to create a clothing brand that honors her journey, her creativity, and her roots. And while her time in the high school program has come to a close, College Possible will continue to be by her side, offering guidance, encouragement, and resources as she pursues her bachelor’s degree and beyond.
With her north star still shining bright, Salem is charting her course, one dream at a time.
