Karina has two different career tracks she is considering when she graduates from Unity Middle College High School in Santa Ana, CA in May 2021. She either wants to major in business and finance or real estate and interior design. She’ll be hard at work in the meantime, as she is planning to get a full-time job the summer before starting college — hopefully, at one of her dream schools: Tufts University or University of Suffolk.

What is something you are most proud of?

I am proud of getting the opportunity to be part of this program.

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

Yes, I have dealt with a lot of obstacles in my past. But I was able to overcome them by trusting that the future will have a better outcome.

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

To me, it means that I have the knowledge and power to do something with my life and find new chances to help me with my future.

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

I have always thought about my college plans. This program seemed great to help me with any questions related to college as well as my choices for the future.

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’s important to me to visit prospective colleges because it will give a realistic view on how my future will look and see where I’ll be comfortable to learn.

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

I would like to visit Boston University or University of Suffolk because these schools have great programs for the majors I am interested in.