At Quest Forward, we believe every student’s journey is unique—and sometimes, those journeys come with challenges that test their resilience. Today, we are proud to share the incredible story of one of our recent graduates, Yatzhiry, whose path to college is a true testament to hard work, determination, and the power of community support.

When College Felt Out of Reach

For Yatzhiry, attending a four-year university once seemed out of reach. She wasn’t sure it was even possible. Everything changed when she enrolled in our Capstone class—a transformative course that guides students through the college admissions process. This class became more than just academics; it was the stepping stone that gave Yatzhiry the tools and confidence she needed to apply to college.

She applied to several universities, and when acceptance letters from UC Merced and UC Santa Cruz arrived, it felt like a dream come true.

Overcoming Unexpected Obstacles

At just 16 years old, Yatzhiry faced a major hurdle: UC Merced’s policy typically restricts students under 18 from living in campus dorms. Without housing, the dream of attending her top-choice university seemed impossible. But with the support of our dedicated college counselor advocating on her behalf, the university made a rare exception and allowed her to live on campus—turning a devastating setback into a huge victory.

Getting Paid to Go to College

The financial challenges of college can be overwhelming, but Yatzhiry’s story takes an inspiring turn here. Through persistent guidance and support, she and her family navigated the complex financial aid process together. Our counselor helped them secure a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and additional assistance through other resources.

Through this combined effort, Yatzhiry was able to enroll at UC Merced without taking on a single loan.  In fact, she received an additional $2,500 for food and transportation support.

Thriving and Looking Ahead

Now preparing for life at UC Merced, Yatzhiry is pursuing her passion for becoming a speech pathologist. Her story is a powerful reminder that with hard work, perseverance, and the right support system, even the biggest dreams can become reality.

We’re incredibly proud of Yatzhiry and all our Quest Forward graduates who are working hard every day to build their futures. Her success inspires all of us to believe that with dedication and support, anything is possible.

To learn more about how we help students like Yatzhiry succeed, please contact us.