‘Alumni’ Stories

OneGoal alumna and graduate from Houston Baptist University Mirla Estrada shares the obstacles she faced, the support she received and the future she now envisions having reached college graduation.

Robert Emmons joined OneGoal as a Fellow in 2009 looking to improve his life and his community. Almost 10 years later, he’s completed the program, experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in college and given back by joining OneGoal staff. As he looks toward his next professional step, he now reflects on each step of his journey and how they defined him.

For many students, college is the first time they leave the comfort of their homes for new environments that don’t mirror their communities in any way. Adjustment to the unknown, and at times unfriendly, is hard. OneGoal – New York Fellow Austin Morales shares the culture shock he received when he stepped onto his college campus and what he had to do to adapt.

Evelyn Ruiz shares the critical support that her PD provided not only in the high school classroom and transition into college, but into her sophomore and junior years of college.

Markayla Epps is a OneGoal Alumni who graduated from Chicago State University and is now looking to continue her education by earning her MBA. Here she shares her story of overcoming fear and self doubt to pave her way to success.

A OneGoal alumna shares what unique obstacles she had to face as an undocumented college student and what the end of DACA could mean for her.