Marlyn Sanchez
We continue to check in with the second graduating class of the Exceptional Youth Scholars and are so proud of their college accomplishments. Please join us in congratulating them on their remarkable achievements!
GSD: First off, please tell us what school you graduated from and what you majored in.
MARLYN: I graduated from Kalamazoo College with a major in Business and a concentration in Film and Media Studies.
GSD: Did you receive any kind of honors or recognition during your time at college? If so, what kind?
MARLYN: My sophomore year I received the CHAMP award in a collective recognition for community and civic engagement. I also graduated as a senior with Cum Laude honors.
GSD: Now that you’ve completed your undergraduate studies, what’s next?
MARLYN: As of now, I plan to join the workforce as an Employment Representative for the State of California.
GSD: What did receiving the EYS award mean to you and what impact did it have on your college experience?
MARLYN: Receiving the EYS award gave me financial freedom, especially during my freshman year. As a first-generation, traveling and studying in a different state was hard to navigate. Being able to do it without financial worry as a first-year student was a relief.
GSD: Have you continued to be involved in community service? If so, what kinds of community service activities have you been a part of?
MARLYN: As an undergraduate student I continued to do community service by volunteering at a local elementary school that had a dual language program in which I tutored young students in various subjects both in English and Spanish.
GSD: In light of graduating college during the COVID 19 pandemic, how were your final term and graduation affected? Have your future career plans been impacted?
MARLYN: Due to COVID-19, I was pushed to make a decision to either graduate early or wait and finish my intended Spanish minor. I was advised that I should graduate early, so I did. I lost a lot of money to rent and bills for a home I no longer lived in, in addition to other personal costs. My future plans are uncertain. As of now, I have to work for the money my family and I have lost during this time.
Marlyn, thank you so much for sharing your college experience with us. It’s commendable that you continued volunteering within the community while at school, and we’re delighted your efforts were recognized with the CHAMP award. Though sadly the pandemic impacted your plans, we’re happy to hear you were able to graduate early and with honors! All of us at The Foundation for Global Sports Development are excited to have played a small part in your journey and wish you the best as you embark on your career. Please keep us posted on your progress.
