Location: Kansas City, Missouri

Tatiana Marshall is currently considering two different career paths: pursuing a journalism degree or becoming a special needs teacher — hopefully, at one of her top-pick schools of Emerson College or Loyola Marymount University. Regardless, the Pembroke Hill School junior has big dreams on her mind, as she wants to eventually move out of Kansas City and become a published author.

What is something you are most proud of?

Even when I encounter I obstacles, I do my best to get through them — and I’m proud of that!

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

At the start of sophomore year, I was incredibly depressed and I couldn’t figure out why. I had been so excited to start the new school year, but after a couple of weeks, I didn’t want to go to school ever again. I had to meet with my counselor and advisor to work through this issue, but I think I eventually dealt with it by being as logical as possible. I had to realize that I would never be happy if I didn’t let myself be happy!

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

I love that it is called “Girls On The Rise” because I think there is always room to grow, improve, and become a better person. We are all young girls whose lives haven’t even really started yet and we all have the potential to do whatever we set our minds to do. So, it truly means just that — a platform from which to grow and rise. I believe you can always rise.

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

I have always admired programs that encourage students and help them with resources and funding for college. So, I am truly grateful to be a part of something that allows me and others the opportunity to get a glimpse of what our futures can be like. Too many people don’t go to college or take certain jobs or make certain decisions because they lack proper guidance when they are young. I think being a part of GOTR will give me what Big Brothers Big Sisters has given me the past couple of years, which is guidance and reassurance.

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 think you never know if you like something until you experience it. This actually happened to me with my high school. I toured it before attending, and I ended up feeling so welcome. But, before that tour, no part of me wanted to go there. It’s easy to let others tell you how to feel about something, especially when you aren’t sure what it’s even about. If I hadn’t attended my high school, I would have missed out on such an amazing opportunity. So, all that to say that I think visiting prospective colleges will help me decide what’s right for me and what isn’t; what I like and what I don’t like; and where I want to live for four years.