Agartha Amooson, another EIP graduate who earned her master’s degree in psychology from GMU in 2006, says the program changed her attitude towards college.
“If you were not earning the grade, you were guaranteed to receive a phone call from the office inquiring about the drop in grade. This is a powerful statement to students, knowing and understanding that someone out there cares that much about their success in life,” says Amooson, who now works in human resources.
She says going to actual college campuses for the events also made a difference.
“We got to see what a university really looks like and it really makes a difference,” says de Abreu. “It makes it more accessible, real and attainable.”
Amooson says she was working full-time and was struggling in class as a high school senior. To keep her grades up, Cadenas made sure Amooson received special tutoring lessons on the GMU campus.
“The program truly boosted my self-confidence. It increased my drive and motivation to do well in life, and I was able to see that hard work pays off,” says Amooson.de Abreu doesn’t agree with the term “at-risk” students. She says it is a program for low income, first-generation students with potential and they need more guidance and organization.
Cadenas agrees and adds that they are lucky to have the support of GMU.
“Mason is concerned about the community, and if every university had a program like this, it would make a tremendous impact,” she says.
— By Shilpa Banerji
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