University of Minnesota junior Veronica knew she wanted to join College Possible because her siblings had all been successful in the program. As a first-generation student from a low-income household, she knew she didn’t have the support and knowledge she needed at home.
In high school, Veronica had a hard time with college applications; she was concerned that not knowing what she wanted her career to be would hurt her chances of being accepted into her chosen schools. Originally, she wanted to go into something in the medical field but battled self-doubt. Veronica and her high school coach Ros originally connected online because of COVID-19. But even so, Ros always tried to make their meetings interactive and put effort into getting to know the students she served as individuals, while also supporting them through ACT prep.
Veronica was able to meet Ros in person during her senior year. “Through all the stress of college admissions, she was always there for us, celebrated with us, and talked us through hard times. I would confide in her about my worries and stressors I had about the process. Without her, I do not believe I would have chosen to go to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She would always bring me back [on track] about what I wanted without other family expectations and worries I had going through my mind. Ros was such a crucial part of my development and college process that I visited her almost every day during my free hours, and finally, at the end of the year, my friends and I surprised her with a collage tapestry of all our memories together.”
Transitioning from Roseville Area High School in 2022 to the University of Minnesota was a challenge. It was difficult for her to create a community and make friends. She leaned heavily on her roommate; “as a shy introvert, I never wanted to go to events alone and since I only knew my roommate, I relied on her to go out in some ways. So, if she didn’t want to go out, I did not want to go alone which secluded me even more.” By the end of her second year Veronica started to go out more, connected with student organizations, and was able to meet more people. As a junior, she joined College Possible Minnesota’s AmeriCorps University Leaders. “I have been trying to do as much as I can including studying abroad, being a university leader, joining more mentor programs and student organizations, and being a part of the Healthcare Management Student Association Board” says Veronica. “I really had to learn to build my confidence and get myself out there because I did not want to regret my school life as I did in high school.”
Veronica also cites her College Advising Specialist Kristine as being instrumental to her college success: “My time in college with College Possible has been an amazing journey. Kristine has been my coach for two years now and I would never switch her for anyone. She has been a pillar for me to look up to; she is an amazingly kind and hardworking individual who gives her all in everything she does. She always sticks up for me and gives me advice; she remembers every word I mention in each meeting and will check in with me to make sure everything is okay. She told me about scholarship opportunities with College Possible as well as this university leader position. She really sets her students up for success.”
Veronica applied to be a university leader because it gave her a community that she could give back to. But she was surprised by how impactful it was. She has worked in many different environments before and said that it is by far the most welcoming and kind workplace she has ever been part of. She feels comfortable being herself and feels comfortable speaking up with Success Program Advisor Stella and the rest of the College Possible staff and AmeriCorps coaches without feeling like there is a barrier of hierarchy between them.
When asked what would happen if College Possible didn’t exist, Veronica said she would not have attended the University of Minnesota, as her high school coach Ros was the one who helped her dig deep and made her realize what she truly wanted on her education journey. Through Kristine, Veronica was able to receive financial support and knowledge of available resources. She also cites College Possible for helping her find a community of like-minded friends: “Many of my classmates and others in my space I have gotten close to through being a university leader. As someone who is shy and introverted, it is hard to speak to others and stay in a close relationship with them. Now, I am constantly able to see people which allows me to build that relationship over time. College Possible gives me a space where I feel safe, can have fun, and give back to the community that has helped me.”
Looking towards the future, Veronica says that she would like to be able to provide for her mother, who often worked 10–12-hour days before coming home to provide her and her siblings with “a warm home to live in, fresh meals to eat, and a happy experience every day. My mom really is my everything in the world and she deserves so much more than I could ever give her.” Veronica also hopes to travel, citing a two-week winter study aboard program in Costa Rica that created lasting friendships and a desire to explore the world outside of the Twin Cities. Because of her hard work and determination, Veronica will graduate in 2026 with a degree in healthcare management from the University of Minnesota.
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