Brianna B. is currently in her junior year at Florida State University (FSU), where she is double majoring in political science and international affairs with a pre-law track. Her long-term goal after graduating with both degrees is to enroll in law school and become a criminal defense attorney. Brianna is passionate about being an advocate for underrepresented individuals and disadvantaged groups who struggle in the justice system. In addition to working towards career success, she also wants to be a voice for other first-generation college students like herself, offering them the same support that she has received from Champions For Learning and her family.
Brianna’s was the first of her family to be born in the United States. Her parents had immigrated from Peru and worked hard to ensure their daughter would have a bright future. Unfortunately, she still faced barriers to achieving her educational goals, including challenges learning English as a young child in a Spanish-speaking home and uncertainties about how to prepare for high school graduation and beyond since she was the first to consider enrolling in college. However, Brianna learned the value of hard work and perseverance from her parents and was eager to put in the time and dedication to achieve her future goals through Champions For Learning’s Student Programs.
When she enrolled in our Take Stock in Children program during the second semester of her eighth-grade year, Brianna was paired with her volunteer mentor, Dottie Whipple, and the two clicked almost immediately. Brianna was looking for a mentor who understood the value and power of education in transforming lives, and Dottie reflected those beliefs. “Dottie supported me both personally and academically,” she said. “From sending me volunteer opportunities to talking through upcoming tests and exams, she always had advice to share, and I always took her guidance seriously.” The pair consistently went above and beyond the minimum required number of meetings, and they continue to get together when Brianna returns to Naples on breaks and vacations.
As Brianna progressed through high school, she also became involved with our College and Career Preparation Program, and our workshop offerings provided experience in completing college applications, SAT and ACT preparation, and resume and cover letter writing. “I couldn’t turn to my parents, or cousins, or anyone in my family to prepare for college,” Brianna said. “I don’t know what I would have done without Champions helping me navigate all the pieces involved with the admissions process. Even now, I still look to Champions for support.” Through our programs, she also developed soft skills in communication, time management, organization and studying, which became the foundation of her success as a university student.
Brianna joined FSU’s pre-law fraternity during her freshman year, where she found a community and support network of first-generation college students studying law. In the spring of her freshman year she served as new membership committee, and all of her sophomore year, she served as new membership chair, and has been chosen to continue this role in the fall of her junior year. In this role she helps to create an impactful journey for new students joining the fraternity. Brianna held this role for three semesters and supported seven younger members through the fraternity’s mentorship program. Knowing the role that Dottie played in her own life inspired her to be that guiding light for others, and Brianna has cherished the experience of being a mentor.
More recently, Brianna secured an internship with the Leon County Second Judicial Court and worked part time in the Public Defender’s Office while still completing coursework during this past spring semester. She conducted intake interviews with individuals who had been charged with a felony and compiled reports for each interviewee to be reviewed by attorneys. Brianna also assisted during investigations by visiting and analyzing a crime scene, delivering subpoenas to the Sherriff’s Office, and translating depositions. The hands-on experience solidified her desire to work in criminal defense, and Brianna has already begun to study for the Law School Administration Test as she prepares for the next stage of her academic and professional career.
Your gift to Champions For Learning’s Student Programs is an investment in our students’ dreams and goals. Will you join us in supporting and empowering students like Brianna, who are the first in their families to enroll in college, to achieve postsecondary success? To invest in Collier County’s students and make an online gift, please click the button below.