STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES

Brandon's Story

During high school in Coatesville, Brandon did apply himself, juggling the rigor of his schoolwork with the commitment of after-school job and the stress of the college selection process. Remembering that time in his life, he said, “Chester County Futures was a big motivation for me. The program helped me work hard and prepared me for the reality of college. I don’t know if I could have gotten a decent Grade Point Average without Futures.”

Brandon’s first big reward came in the form of acceptance to Lock Haven University, where he later graduated on schedule in the spring of 2005.

Brandon describes college as both “a lot of fun” and “challenging—especially in time management.” This is understandable, given that Brandon is maintaining good grades, working part time, and has felt the need to be very involved on campus. During his senior year, Brandon was the executive producer of his campus news program. Over the years he has done both news and sports reporting for the college radio and television stations.

That experience, he hopes, will lead to a job in radio or television that will in turn fund graduate school.

In Brandon’s eyes, Chester County Future’s focus on making the cut for college is well placed. He realizes, “Through college I’ve learned about myself and have assumed a lot more responsibilities. College is helping me pursue my dreams.” Through a course of events that began with Chester County Futures, Brandon’s life is unfolding just as he wants. And who could ask for anything more?

Michele's Story

As Michele begins life as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador, memories of specific experiences in the Chester County Futures program are receding, but their imprint on her is unmistakable. “I have a passion,” she declared, “to be involved in the lives of people. Things are just things, and they will pass away. But investing in people—their fears, their passions, their dreams, their hurts—is what truly matters.”

Michele recently graduated from Penn State University and will spend the next two years in Ecuador teaching good hygiene practices and educating the population on health issues. Michele’s interest in experiencing other cultures first-hand began in college where, as a Spanish major, she lived in Spain, Italy, and the Dominican Republic. “Living in other countries is the best learning experience there is, and it really makes you more openminded about the world we live in,” she explained.

The past few years of Michele’s life have been so full and rich that she admits, “the Chester County Futures Program seems very long ago.” However, she readily recalls how significant it was to her. “It did prepare me for college, and the college visits were especially helpful in choosing between schools” she said. “College,” she added, “is where you begin the process of becoming who you will be. You meet new people and learn new things—and not only what is taught in the classroom. My advice to anyone heading for college is to start out with a bang!”

Michele is following her own good advice when it comes to her new position in the Peace Corps. “Here in Ecuador, I know that I am going to learn more than I can even imagine,” she mused. “And as I invest in people, the person I am will be completely transformed. I am blessed to have such a wonderful opportunity, and I know that this is only the beginning…”

Those fortunate enough to be around Michele are likely to feel that it is they who are blessed.