Stephanie Gonzalez

STEPHANIE GONZALEZ

I will never forget the first time I walked onto the campus of Boston College in September of 2008. My first question was, “How in the world did I land on the campus of one of the most prestigious colleges in the country?” I knew the answer immediately, and it was very simple---Boys Hope Girls Hope! It is hard to imagine where I might be today if the opportunity to be a resident scholar of Boys Hope Girls Hope had not been presented to me.

As I reflect back on my situation prior to joining Boys Hope Girls Hope, there is only one word that describes the environment in which I lived…chaotic! I knew how important an education was, but I had so many responsibilities at home, I wasn’t able to start my homework until around midnight. Instead of friends begging me to play basketball, a neighbor who played unbelievably loud music, a sibling who needed a diaper change or a Mom who needed help in the kitchen, with Boys Hope Girls Hope, I finally had structure in my life. When I arrived at Boys Hope Girls Hope, it was an enormous challenge because I never had so much time just to focus on myself.

It wasn’t just all about being taught to be a student which I certainly needed; it was about being taught etiquette and how important it was to return phone calls and e-mails. One person who played an immense role in my development was Ben Langhorst; my math tutor at Boys Hope Girls Hope. I simply could not believe that someone would take such a strong interest in my development as a person. He taught me how to tackle mathematics and science at Rosary High School. I am forever grateful for his guidance and concern for my success. Never in my life had anyone cared so much; all the people at Boys Hope Girls Hope want all the scholars to succeed----from the Board Members to each and every one of the staff!

For the current scholars at Boys Hope Girls Hope my advice is summed up in one word---learn! Take advantage of the time you are given to flourish and grow! If you learn how to correctly invest your time while at Boys Hope Girls Hope, you will have such an enriching young adulthood. Throw frustrations out the window because, really, they are life lessons that you will carry in your hearts forever. Very few are given this opportunity. Lucky you, who have the opportunity to be surrounded by people who only want the best for you! Thanks to Boys Hope Girls Hope, my dream of attending Boston College is now a reality.