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Featured Alumnus
Niurka Castro, HEAF Class of '00 As I sit here writing a paper for one of my graduate courses in public administration, I cannot help but think about HEAF, which to me is the epitome of an effective nonprofit. I say that because I am a product of the organization's work and determination. I can also honestly say that I do not think I would be finishing my graduate studies at the age of 23 if it were not for HEAF. My parents always told my brother and me that we had to go to college. We never had a choice about that. But they didn't quite know how we were going to get there, because neither of them attended college. HEAF filled the void left by my parents' lack of experience with college and their not being able to help me in school because they did not know the language. HEAF allowed me to explore different options and provided the help that I needed in school. I hated going to tutoring on Saturday mornings, but I knew that it was something I had to do to achieve my goals. I remember the first day I went to HEAF. I had just graduated from Mott Hall School and was getting ready to enter high school. HEAF asked me to make a list of the colleges I wanted to apply to—I wasn't even a freshman in high school yet, and they were already challenging me to think about college! HEAF made it very clear from that day forward until the day of my high school graduation that all my efforts would be focused on realizing my goal of going to college. Wow. I'm thrilled to say that I achieved my goal and surpassed my own expectations. I know that this is not an opportunity given to everyone. I am fortunate that I had HEAF leading me through the journey that is about to end as I graduate with a Masters in Public Administration from one of the top schools in New York State and begin my working life. Return to Onward: College and Beyond |
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