Benita B. has overcome many challenges to get to where she is today. Now, the Wilde Lake High School senior is more focused than ever on kickstarting her studies in software engineering. This Girl on the Rise will be visiting one of her dream schools — Yale — in New Haven, Connecticut while also considering University of Maryland, Brown, and University of Pennsylvania.

What is something you are most proud of?

I’m proud of learning English when I immigrated to the U.S. at age 13.

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

I experienced homelessness at one time.

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

I am very grateful to be part of this program because I have not been able to explore any colleges yet due to financial circumstances.

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

I wanted to be part of a community of dedicated and focused girls who are trying to achieve their academic goals like me.

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?

I will have a chance to see if I can truly see myself on campus while learning more information to use in my supplemental essays.