“After I graduate high school, I want to attend the University of Miami in Fall 2022 and major in biomedical engineering,” says Kathleen G., a senior at Cutler Bay Senior High School in Florida. “I would like to have a career in the medical field as a trauma surgeon.” This Girl on the Rise has dealt with some severe medical issues herself, but even so, has risen above those setbacks.

What is something you are most proud of?

I am proud of myself for continuing to give my best every day in spite of everything I’ve had going on in my life.

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

Yes. These past three to four years have been extremely tough for me due to a traumatic event that left me with severe head pain. I’ve had to undergo many tests and imaging and multiple hospital stays which has made it hard to live a “normal” life. But I still feel extremely fortunate and grateful!

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

I believe being selected has put me at an advantage and one step closer to accomplishing my dreams and goals.

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

I watched a YouTube video a couple months ago about other girls who were part of this program and I felt like it was an amazing opportunity that I needed to apply for.

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?

I want to explore my options before I decide where to spend many years. I’m aware that there are so many choices, and I would like to view and explore as many as I can in order to select the right college for me.

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

Here is my list!

• University of Miami: This has been my dream school for as long as I can remember
• Georgia State University and University of Georgia: I would like to explore my options outside of Florida — but not too far away because I would like to stay somewhat close to my family. Georgia is one of the closest states to me and I have heard many great things about these two universities.
• University of Florida: One of the top universities in Florida!
• University of Central Florida: My cousin attended this university and now she’s a very good surgeon. I would like to go visit and see what it is like.