Ashley, a Miami-based junior, has her eye on a few Florida schools including Florida State University (FSU), University of Florida, and Florida International University (FIU). She wants to study dentistry or real estate and is excited to delve into exploring her dream colleges.

What is something you are most proud of?

I’m proud of my desire to grow and succeed.

Have you gone through any tough or challenging times? If yes, how did you deal with those challenges?

Yes, I stay positive and look on the bright side.

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

It means a lot to me because this is my choice to make and I need to find a place where I feel comfortable studying my major.

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

What inspired me the most was the exciting idea of other available college options to choose from; ones that I don’t know as much about!

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?

It’s important to my journey because it will open me doors to let me explore my available options and find a college that I like and that matches my fields of interest.

What schools will you use the funding to visit, and why?

I am considering FSU because they have their own dental office on campus as well as University of Florida because it’s one of the top dental institutions in the country.