Carolina Buena has BIG plans for her future. You could describe her as a go-getter and an inspiration to girls everywhere. She immigrated to the United States — knowing absolutely no English — but Carolina has beaten all odds and will soon be a freshman at Kansas State University. We chatted with Carolina to get the scoop on her journey and what it feels like to get a $500 grant from the 1,000 Dreams Fund.

What’s your professional dream?

My professional dream is becoming a general surgeon.

Awesome! How will you use your grant from the 1,000 Dreams Fund?

I will use my 1,000 Dreams Fund grant to help fund my tuition. Affording my college education was something that was impossible for my parents to do because of our financial status. Now with the help from this generous grant, my grades (instead of my finances) can be my main priority during my first year of college. I hope one day I will be able to help other students achieve their goal just as the 1,000 Dreams Fund has helped me.

That’s so inspirational. What advice do you have for other young women?

Don’t ever give up, even if you think it is impossible; don’t give up because there is nothing impossible if you work hard enough for it. 

So true. What have been your biggest setbacks?

As an immigrant student who came to the United States during her freshman year of high school, learning English was a setback. However, I was determined to not let any barriers stop me from chasing my dreams. Learning a new language was no exception. I worked extra hard not only to learn English but also to succeed in school. 

So, what’s next for you?

In the future, I plan on earning a bachelor’s degree in microbiology, attending medical school, and ultimately becoming a general surgeon.