Every student’s journey after high school looks different. Some head directly into four-year universities. Others begin at community colleges and transfer. Some pursue career technical education that leads straight into the workforce. Each path is valid. Each path is powerful. Each path reflects a different version of what success can look like.
There is no one-size-fits-all path after high school. Our students pursue futures as diverse as their own lived experiences, from four-year universities to transfer pathways to career technical education. No matter which road they take, Fulfillment Fund’s goal remains the same: helping our students build the skills, confidence, and support systems needed to become career-ready college graduates.
This year’s graduating high school class reflects that belief in action.
We’re proud to highlight five students, five postsecondary pathways, and five stories of resilience, identity, and possibility pathways, and five stories of resilience, identity, and possibility.
A UC Pathway: Finding Confidence, Voice, and Belonging
Michelle Jimenez — UC Davis | Environmental Science
For Michelle Jimenez, the path to UC Davis wasn’t just about academics. It was about finding confidence in her own voice and learning to see herself as capable of pursuing a future in STEM.
What support helped you get here?
Throughout her journey, Michelle found consistent support through her Fulfillment Fund counselor, Ms. Gloria, who helped her develop her writing, clarify her story, and prepare her college applications.
“The Fulfillment Fund workshops really helped me brainstorm, but also actually craft my writing to reflect who I am as a person — and make me a strong candidate for these schools.”
Michelle also grew through leadership as a Student Ambassador, helping create supportive spaces for her peers during the college application process.
What experiences helped shape your perspective?
One of Michelle’s most defining moments came outside the classroom during a field trip to local television station KTLA, where she saw firsthand how representation matters in spaces where women are often underrepresented.
“It proves that it doesn’t matter what path you take. If you still want to go to that career, there are a bunch of different ways you can get there.”
Her journey reflects a powerful truth: exposure and opportunity help students expand what they believe is possible.
“I learned I can’t just stay in my own shell — I have to actually reach out to others to make a change.”
Career Technical Pathway: Building Skills for Future Success
Joel Sanchez — LA Trade Technical College | Electrical Technology
Not every student’s journey after high school follows a traditional four-year college path. For Joel Sanchez, the next step meant pursuing hands-on career training aligned with both his interests and long-term goals.
According to his counselor, Ms. Connie, Joel consistently demonstrated quiet determination, responsibility, and a strong work ethic throughout high school. While naturally reserved, he remained curious about his future and motivated by a desire to continue learning and achieve financial independence.
Recognizing his interest in a field with strong employment opportunities, Joel chose to pursue Electrical Technology at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, where he will build practical, in-demand skills while preparing for long-term career success.
Throughout the year, Ms. Connie supported Joel through the college application process, financial aid completion, scholarship applications, and regular check-ins to ensure he stayed on track.
As a first-generation college student, Joel’s journey is a reminder that success after graduation takes many forms. Career technical education is a powerful pathway that equips students with the skills, confidence, and training needed to build meaningful careers and strong futures.
Community College Pathway: Confidence Through a Transfer Journey
Winner Bossa — Los Angeles City College | Nursing (Transfer Pathway)
For Winner Bossa, community college represents both independence and strategy.
Why did you choose this path?
Choosing Los Angeles City College allows Winner to build a strong academic base while working toward her long-term goal of becoming a nurse and eventually transferring to a four-year university.
“Community college is a great option because it allows me to earn my associate degree first and then transfer to a four-year university. This path gives me a strong foundation and helps me prepare for my future career.”
Her early exposure to college coursework while still in high school helped her feel confident about the transition.
What support helped prepare you for college?
Taking a college psychology course at LACC while still in high school helped Winner understand what to expect from college academics.
“It showed me what college classes would be like.”
With support from her counselors, she successfully navigated applications, financial aid, and enrollment. applications, financial aid, and enrollment.
What would you tell your freshman-year self?
As she prepares for this next chapter, Winner reflects on the advice she would share with the younger version of herself.
“Don’t be shy. Talk to people, ask questions, and practice your English whenever you can. Put yourself out there and make new friends. You are capable of more than you think.”
Her story reflects how community college can serve as a powerful and intentional launchpad toward long-term success.
CSU Pathway: Growth, Identity, and Becoming
Shinji Vergara — CSU Northridge | Business
Shinji’s journey reflects transformation through self-discovery and academic clarity.
As he progressed through high school, he began refining not just his major, but his understanding of who he wanted to become.
What support helped you get here?
With support from Ms. Gloria, Shinji navigated the college application process and clarified his path into business.
“Throughout the year, Ms. Gloria was a humongous help. She was there through every step of the way, reviewing all my stuff and making sure everything was right.”
During a stressful application season, that support made a meaningful difference.
“I was super stressed about my PIQs. Everything felt like a jumbled mess, but with Ms. Gloria’s help, I was able to really solidify what I wanted to write down.”
What would you tell your 9th-grade self?
Looking back, Shinji reflects on how much he has grown both academically and personally.
“No matter how hard it may be, just don’t hide away. Just keep being yourself, because it’ll work out.”
His path to CSU Northridge represents flexibility, exploration, and steady progress toward adulthood.
Private University Pathway: Big Dreams, Deep Support
Sameer Sourav — Harvard University | Undecided
Sameer’s journey reflects academic achievement paired with steady guidance, leadership development, and the confidence to dream big.
What experiences helped prepare you for this moment?
As a Fulfillment Fund Student Ambassador, Sameer participated in college visits that helped him envision himself on campuses he once only dreamed about.
“Because I was an ambassador, I got to visit Stanford, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Davis — and it gave me the confidence that I belong on those campuses.”
What support helped you through the college application process?
Throughout the admissions process, Sameer leaned on consistent counselor support — especially during high-pressure moments.
“I texted Ms. Gloria at midnight asking if she could review my essay… and she’d text back at midnight saying, it’s good, you can submit it!”
What does graduation mean to you?
As he prepares to begin his next chapter at Harvard University, Sameer reflects on the significance of this milestone.
“Graduation is validating all the hopes that people put in me, from Fulfillment Fund, from Ms. Gloria — all the investment everyone made to get me across the line.”
His story reflects what becomes possible when support elevates opportunity.
Five Students. Five Pathways. One Foundation.
These five graduates represent different paths but a shared foundation of support, guidance, and belief.
Each pathway is valid. Each pathway, equally powerful.
We don’t just help students get into college — we help them understand what’s possible, and support them every step of the way.
Because success isn’t one destination. It’s many futures, all unfolding at once.
Invest in Students’ Futures
There is no single path to success, and every student deserves the support to pursue the future that is right for them.
Your gift helps students access college and receive the ongoing guidance, support, and career readiness opportunities that make long-term success possible.
Support the next generation of students as they turn potential into possibility.
