“I want to be able to work in a business that serves its community and a team that looks forward to improving and bettering themselves and the company,” says Edmari Correia de Castro, a 1,000 Dreams Fund Scholarship recipient. She’ll be paving the way forward for that dream when she attends UNC Charlotte this fall to study international business.

What is your professional dream?

I want to become a businesswoman who works every day to improve businesses’ ethical, ecological, and personal behaviors.

How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship?

I will use this amazing scholarship to pay for part of my tuition.

How is this scholarship helping you get closer to your dream?

It is helping me attend college with less debt. My family and I cannot afford a four-year education. But, thanks to this scholarship, I am one step closer to reaching my first goal: Graduating with my bachelor’s degree in the next two to three years.

​What advice do you have for other young women who are wanting to pursue their dreams?

Do not let anyone’s thoughts stop you. Believing in yourself is the most powerful weapon you can bear and understanding that you should make decisions for YOU, and not to satisfy others, will help you be happier.

​Have you had any setbacks? How did you move past them?

While applying to college, my major setback was dealing with my immigration status. Even though I became a permanent resident of the U.S., my family and I were still struggling to get all our documents, including our social security numbers. I was anxious, as I felt that I was not going to be able to apply for FAFSA and many scholarships. Luckily, everything worked out, and my hard work paid off when I was able to apply and receive money that is helping me pay for my college career.

What’s next for you? What is your next goal?

My next goal is to graduate with a minimum of one bachelor’s degree and a minor by 2025.

In the photo here, my Student Government teammates and I took a selfie at one of the biggest events that we organized and hosted. The event was prepared for our community — and it took multiple meetings and lots of planning.