“To my prima hermana Karla, I know our families just got together for Thanksgiving to eat our famous mac and cheese and say all we’re thankful for, but I want to say this to you again today: thank you. Remember when I finally realized school was important and you got your Future Connect coach to write down step-by-step FAFSA instructions for me? It seems like such a small thing, but that’s the day my college journey started. You were the first to go to PCC, and when I’d see you getting up early to catch the bus in winter while pregnant, I knew it had to be worthwhile. I don’t know what I would’ve done without Future Connect. I don’t know what I’d do without you. Being vocal is in our blood, and I’m so thankful you’ve never stopped telling me what I needed to hear – that I’m capable, and I belong.”
— Yuli
About Yuliza
Yuliza Leon Del Toro (pictured left above) recently graduated from PCC with a major in criminal justice and is now attending Portland State University to become a criminal defense attorney. She is the fourth member of her family to participate in Future Connect, a scholarship and support program for students who identify as first-generation or low-income.
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