“I want to be an immigration lawyer for immigrants who cannot afford expensive lawyers,” says Dioslyn O., a senior at Coral Gables Senior High School in Miami, Florida. But, this Girl on the Rise‘s first step is majoring in public administration at a local-for-her undergraduate school like University of Miami!

What is something you are most proud of?

I am the most proud of my political and civic engagement. My peers and I are the adults of tomorrow. We have the ability to control our future through our votes and voices — and this is something I deeply believe in and am glad of.

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

I have gone through my fair share of tough times. Thankfully, my family and I faced them together so we had one another to hold onto. But, personally, I think I also dealt with these challenges by holding onto my faith and trying to make the best of even the worst situations.

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

I actually feel very happy and proud of myself. I also feel very blessed to have this scholarship that will help me cover college-bound costs such as my deposit, test prep, college visits, and technology.

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

I was inspired by the stories of girls who have succeeded with the help of Girls on the Rise. Those stories really influenced my decision to want to get involved.

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 will allow me to get on the right path toward college and my long-term goal of attending law school and becoming an immigration lawyer.

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

Florida International University and University of Miami — because I plan to stay local. Visiting these two universities will allow me to make a better decision about my future.