Architecture and graphic design are big passions for Grace D. who dreams of working at an architecture firm. Currently, the senior at Eisenhower High School in Decatur, Illinois is focused on finding just the right school for her — some of this Girl on the Rise‘s dream colleges include: University of Kentucky, NYU, Duke, University of North Carolina, and University of Illinois at Chicago.

What is something you are most proud of?

Whenever I have my mind set on something I don’t give up until I can achieve it.

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

Taking deeps breaths and talking to someone I trust.

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

It means a lot to me. I feel honored to be able to receive something like this.

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

Derrick from Big Brothers Big Sisters! He called me and talked to me about it, and I was so shocked that I just couldn’t pass it up.

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 get me to where I need to be in life by helping with test fees, college visits, and more. Being able to visit and see colleges I have my eye on will help me determine if that college is for me or not.

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

University of Kentucky, Duke, and most likely University of Memphis, too!