By Laura Peña
As a sophomore at Alexander Hamilton High School, I had little idea of how the path ahead would unfold. My high school life was largely shaped by the small learning communities within my school, particularly the math and science departments. It was during my junior year of high school when Fulfillment Fund came into the picture, establishing an office on-site and introducing us to their dedicated counselors. My counselor, Onye, was a beacon of support in a school where each counselor managed nearly 200 students. Being able to walk into the Fulfillment Fund office for one-on-one support felt game-changing.
I am the first generation in my family to pursue a college education—a title I wore with pride and a sense of responsibility. My journey took a definitive turn during the summer between my sophomore and junior years when I discovered my passion for nursing. As I explored various career options, I realized that nursing resonated with me on a deep level—a calling I was eager to pursue.
As I moved forward, I set my sights on UCLA, specifically its School of Nursing. UCLA’s nursing program being one of only two undergraduate nursing program within the University of California system, it represented both a dream and a challenge. To gain admission, I needed to write a compelling statement of purpose detailing my reasons for wanting to become a nurse. This was no easy feat, but with the invaluable guidance of my Fulfillment Fund counselor, I was able to navigate the complexities of my application.
When I began my internship at a local Kaiser Permanente hospital, I initially thought I wanted to become a doctor. However, my experience on the nursing floor was revelatory. I remember the first day vividly: I watched as doctors swiftly entered and exited patients’ rooms, leaving behind a lingering sense of urgency. It dawned on me that the real caretakers—the ones who spent hours attending to patients’ needs, offering comfort and support—were the nurses. It was in that moment that I identified with the role of the caregiver and realized that I wanted to be on the front lines, providing comfort and care during some of the most difficult moments in people’s lives.
The summer before my senior year was pivotal; I made the decision to apply to UCLA’s nursing program. I recognized that without the steadfast support of Fulfillment Fund, I would have felt lost navigating the complicated world of college applications. Their approach to teaching high school students about financial aid, acceptance letters, and personal statements is rooted in building personal relationships. My connection with my counselor deepened as I shared my ambitions and fears. That trust was essential to my journey.
Once I received my acceptance letter from UCLA’s undergraduate nursing program, a new wave of anxiety washed over me. The financial aid letter arrived soon after, and the complexities of loans and scholarships felt overwhelming. Fortunately, I had the guidance of Fulfillment Fund to help me decipher it all. There was no class in high school teaching us about financial literacy, but Fulfillment Fund stepped in to fill that gap. The support I received didn’t end with college acceptance; it continued to be a vital resource throughout my time at UCLA.
During my college years, Fulfillment Fund remained a part of my life. I received a scholarship from them every year, which alleviated some of the financial burden. My counselor remained a source of emotional support, particularly as I tackled challenging chemistry and math courses. The pressures of college can be immense, and having a safe space to share my struggles was invaluable. I could be honest about the challenges I faced, and my Fulfillment Fund counselor was always there to provide encouragement and understanding.
As I approached my senior year, I began to give back. I became a mentor to first- and second-year students at UCLA. I organized group workshops and held phone check-ins to ensure my mentees felt supported. If I sensed a student was struggling, I would communicate with Olivia, Fulfillment Fund’s head of college success, to ensure they received the help they needed. Fulfillment Fund’s commitment to its students doesn’t end with graduation; they facilitate our growth as individuals and professionals.
Through college, Fulfillment Fund kept alumni informed about events, including various workshops on personal finance—topics that were often absent from our formal education. I found these workshops immensely beneficial as they equipped me with the knowledge to manage my finances more effectively. Additionally, Fulfillment Fund helped me prepare my resume, practice for interviews, and navigate networking opportunities. The transition from high school to college was smooth thanks to their ongoing support, which continued as I entered the professional world.
I graduated from UCLA in June 2021, but my journey was far from over. To become a registered nurse, I needed to pass a licensing exam. I dedicated my summer to studying, and by the fall of 2021, I had successfully passed the exam. I applied to various hospitals, including UCLA, understanding the competitiveness of their nursing program. To my delight, I received an acceptance letter from my first choice, UCLA, and began my nursing career.
Today, I am a registered nurse at UCLA Santa Monica Hospital, specifically in the medical step-down unit. I work primarily with stroke patients, where my role is to aid in their recovery and prepare them for life after the ICU. Each day presents new challenges, but I find immense joy and fulfillment in my work. The ability to positively impact someone’s life during their most vulnerable moments is a privilege I do not take for granted.
Although my parents were always supportive of my aspirations, they lacked the knowledge and skills to help me navigate the college application process. That’s where Fulfillment Fund stepped in. Their belief in me made all the difference. UCLA’s nursing program is incredibly competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 1% for its freshman class of only 50 students. The knowledge, skills, and mentorship I received from the Fulfillment Fund were instrumental in helping me achieve my dreams.
Now that I am an alumnus and a young professional, I find myself in a full-circle moment. Recently, Fulfillment Fund reached out to inform me that a student was interested in nursing. I felt excited to give back, so I arranged a call with her to share my experiences, encourage her to apply, and review her application materials. It was a rewarding experience that reinforced my commitment to supporting the next generation of nurses.
Reflecting on my journey, I am profoundly grateful for the impact that Fulfillment Fund has had on my life. The organization has been a constant presence, providing the tools and resources necessary for me to succeed academically and professionally. My trajectory would have looked vastly different without their support. The mentorship I received not only prepared me for college but also instilled in me a sense of community and responsibility to uplift others.
As I continue my career in nursing, I carry with me the lessons learned and the connections made through Fulfillment Fund. I am excited about the future, including my aspirations for further education, possibly pursuing a master’s degree. The skills and knowledge I gained from Fulfillment Fund will undoubtedly aid me in achieving these goals.
In conclusion, my experience with Fulfillment Fund has shaped not just my educational journey but my identity as a caregiver and mentor. I am committed to ensuring that others have the same opportunities I did, paving the way for a brighter future for first-generation college students. It is not just about breaking barriers; it is about building a community of support that lasts a lifetime. My full-circle moment is a testament to the enduring impact of mentorship, community, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.