Living in Tallahassee, Florida, Nyla G. has developed an interest in marine biology — and this Girl on the Rise’s dream is to have a career in this field, possibly as a bioengineer. So, this Amos P. Godby High School junior is looking at schools like Stony Brook University with excellent marine biology programs.

What is something you are most proud of?

My art.

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

I have gone through difficult things, but I have supporting friends and goals to focus on.

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

It is an honor and a great help with my college search.

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

It would be difficult for me to pay for college on my own with the increasing tuition rates everywhere. This program will make it easier for me to reach my goal.

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 hard to find neutral sources about colleges. They’re all written by people who attend or work at those colleges. So, being able to actually be there will be nice — and it will make it easier to see where I’d work best, rather than guessing from pictures.

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

I want to visit Stony Brook University or University of New England because both have really expansive marine biology programs.