Student Profiles
Current College Students
Melissa Iniestra
Kennesaw State University Class of 2021
During my senior year, U-Lead tutors helped me in my classes and made sure I brought up my SAT scores. They provided transportation to visit schools including Kennesaw State, where I’m now a junior. I love it here. I’m majoring in Computer Science. I have been accepted for two internships, one during the summer with a company I would love to work for. I wouldn’t be able to attend college without the donations to U-Lead. I still work, but the U-Lead scholarship provides me with living expenses. I am deeply grateful for U-Lead because having an encouraging environment for First-Generation students is a necessity to break barriers. U-Lead is the most impactful organization in my life.
Liza Sanchez
Christian Brothers University Class of 2022
thedream.us scholarship recipient
I started coming to U-Lead my sophomore year of high school. I began to receive help with my immigration status, since at the time I did not have a status and had not applied for DACA. U-Lead helped me by filling out the forms for my DACA and advising me on the steps to obtain a status. I also received tutoring for my courses that I was taking. When my junior year of high school came to an end, U-Lead helped me by preparing to apply for universities. The mentors advised me on making a resume and studying for the SAT/ACT, which they also have materials that I was allowed to use.
During the beginning of my senior year of high school, I was introduced to my mentor (Patricia). I was also introduced to the thedream.us scholarship and was preparing to turn in my application. My mentor was a big help since she proofread my essays and gave me suggestions to improve them. When it came to turn in my application, U-Lead and my mentor was always there for me. I was also advised to apply to universities in Georgia that accept dreamers. Furthering my education would not be possible without the help of U-Lead.
My advice: Whatever your status might be, not do fear it. You are always capable of doing anything, and if you ever have a question do not fear to ask at U-Lead.
Roberto
Carlos Villanueva
Christian Brothers University Class of 2022
thedream.us scholarship recipient
I'm a sophomore at Christian Brothers University and majoring in Chemistry. I've been going to U-Lead for three years now and I honestly would not be in the same place I am right now if it wasn't for U-Lead. U-Lead has given me the extra push I have needed to go above and beyond.
Here is some advice from someone who has been in your shoes: When you get to college, you don't know anyone. No one knows you. Everyone is in the same boat as you. It's because of this that you need to meet as many people as you can. Everyone is looking to make connections and meet new people. Don't be afraid to go up to a stranger and meet them. Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and meet people you wouldn't normally meet. My advice to incoming freshmen is to not let your shyness, nervousness, etc. prevent you from making lifelong friendships, bonds and relationships. Making connections is crucial in being successful!
Tatiana Pinto
Agnes Scott College and Emory University Class of 2021
Golden Doors Scholarship recipient
Ever since high school, I felt lost just like so many other immigrant students. U-Lead has helped me in more ways than I can count. Not only did they help me throughout high school with SAT/ACT prep, but also with my college application, proofreading my college essays, homework help, and finding scholarships. Without U-Lead, I would not be receiving both a Bachelor of Arts (in psychology with a minor in biology) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I would not be studying at Emory University, I would not be doing clinical rotations at CHOA and Emory Midtown Hospital, and I would not be a future BSA, BSN, and RN. U-Lead is my biggest support system and I am thankful for everyone and everything they do.
Yadira Garcia
Christian Brothers University Class of 2021
thedream.us scholarship recipient
I began coming to U-Lead my junior year of high school. U-Lead quickly became a supportive family that not only helped me embrace my DACA background but also helped me continue my education. They informed me of my options for college and helped me fill out college applications that can be difficult and overwhelming for a first generation college student. The family I formed here has really left an impact on my life.
Dyana Tavira
Brenau University Class of 2023
As a first-generation student, I was a lost fish in the big blue sea. I would like to say, “Thank you, thank you” to U-Lead for guiding me, and others, to where I am today, and for being so helpful, successful, and inspirational. U-Lead has inspired me to continue my education no matter what obstacles come across my way. U-Lead has inspired me to not get locked up in the government's rules and restrictions, but to pursue my vision of the world, and to live and learn to the max. U-Lead has inspired many more to continue their education because at the end of the day NOBODY can take that away from you. They have inspired me to become educated and find myself in this big blue sea. U-Lead has not only helped me come to Brenau, but it has helped many more by providing an opportunity to apply for scholarships to help achieve their dream of going to school. Whether you need help with applying to college, SAT, ACT, even FAFSA U-Lead is there to help. U-Lead has one mission and that mission is to help you along the road to help and guide you to your destination.
College Graduates
Alejandro
Galeana-Salinas
Berea College Class of 2019
Berea College No-Tuition Promise Scholarship recipient
I was admitted to Berea College in 2015, receiving a No-Tuition Promise Scholarship, but I still had to pay for room and board, books, meal plan, and other expenses. The U-Lead Scholarship perfectly filled that gap, making it possible for me to attend a private liberal arts college and graduate with a bachelor’s in Sociology and a minor in African/African American studies completely debt-free! I never had to stress about paying for college. I only had to focus on studying, getting good grades, fulfilling my internships and graduating! Today I work as an Admissions Representative for Berea College thanks to the support from U-Lead.
Damaris rodriguez
Athens Technical College Class of 2019
DACA specialist at U-Lead
U-Lead is a nonprofit organization that helps under documented student prepare for a higher education, despite the obstacles we face through admissions and cost. They offer a U-Lead Scholarship that has helped many students like myself attend and finish college. U-Lead has helped me tremendously and I’m not exaggerating when I say I wouldn’t have recently completed my last semester of Cosmetology at ATC if it weren’t for U-Lead, which is why I try to give back to them in any way I can. It’s an awesome organization!
In Memoriam of Brayan Abreu
May 20, 1996 - April 20, 2019
Brayan Abreu graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology in 2019 with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. As a member of Undocumented Students and Allies, Brayan led a successful campaign to create a scholarship fund for undocumented students at IIT. He died in an automobile accident on his way to Athens shortly after graduation.
Brayan told us that he might not have gone to IIT if he hadn’t visited there first. U-Lead provided support for Brayan to travel to Chicago, where he met two distinguished professors in the Engineering program who mentored him. “I was amazed just to see how many connections I was making with different people around the world. I met students who are undocumented like me, and who share the same dream of graduating and helping their family.”
Brayan has inspired all of his U-Lead family. When he died, we decided to create a scholarship for students to visit colleges they are considering attending. It is the Brayan Abreu Travel Scholarship. Through this fund, Brayan will continue to inspire and support U-Lead students for many years.