Angie Platas has faced personal hardships when her father was deported. But the 17-year-old senior at Northside High School in Houston is proud that she stayed in school and continues to succeed. She even wants to go into law enforcement one day. With her funding from the 1,000 Dreams Fund, she hopes one day to attend Sam Houston State University and to become a cop and eventually a Crime Scene Investigator.

What is something you are most proud of?

I am proud that I’ve stayed in school and did not drop out.

Have you gone through any tough or challenging times and how did you deal with those times?

I cried a lot when my father was deported and talked about it with family. I couldn’t really do anything but wait and be patient.At school I stayed out of trouble. I’ve been going to class, and doing what I am supposed to be doing.

What does it mean to you to be selected as a Girl on the Rise?

It means a lot that I have been selected and had a chance to get this; not a lot of people have had this chance.

What inspired you to want to be involved with Girls on the Rise?

I did not know about Girls on the Rise until I was nominated.

How will funding from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals? In other words: Why is the opportunity to visit your prospective colleges important to your journey?

Funding gives me purpose and a chance to do it (reach my goals). Without it would be harder to attain.