JORDAN
MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY - Nursing
“My college plans are to walk on the basketball team at Midwestern and study nursing. Post college I want to work at a children’s hospital to influence and help children.
Create + Collaborate has made me dream bigger. I get to meet mentors and guest speakers who come from the same communities as me and have the same stories as me. It gives me footsteps to follow and reminds me to never doubt myself or decisions to pursue a great future.” -Jordan, 18
MADELIN, FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ARLINGTON - Marketing
“My plans after college are to work for a company either in the food industry or a construction company. My goals in college are to gain experience in my field by doing and internship.
I am a first generation college student and business major. Create + Collaborate is preparing me to lead in my studies and in the workforce. My mentor was also first in her family to go to college. She is a constant reminder that I, too, am a future college graduate.” - Maddie, 20
Carla, first generation college student
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY - Theater
“My future goal for college is to become a great leader on campus. I want to make an impact in the theater department.
Create + Collaborate is different from any other program I have been a part of because it feels like a family. It has taught me to be okay with who I am and where I am in life. Create + Collaborate provides a safe environment where I am able to be myself and not be judged or talked about.” - Carla, 18
darius, FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY - Comparative Race & Ethnic Studies
“My plans post college are to become a NBA player, a philanthropist, and create my own non profit. Receiving dorm essentials would take a burden off my family and help my dorm to feel like home. In college your dorm is your safe haven and a place you want to feel like home.
Create + Collaborate has been a huge support in helping finish my first year and has helped with sports fees to allow me to walk on the basketball team at TCU. I'm grateful to have mentors and additional support in becoming a successful college student.” - Darius, 19
KIYAN - FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT
TARRANT COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Business/Finance
“My goal in college is to continue to network and gain professional development skills. I want to reach my fullest potential as a first generation college student. My plans post college is to work for Fidelity or Google.
Create + Collaborate has provided me with a mentor from Fidelity who is also from the Stop 6 community where I grew up. It means a lot to me that Create + Collaborate is helping me get the proper supplies and experience to be successful in college. The Fit For The Future program has helped me dream bigger and to believe I can reach them. I’ve learned adversity can’t keep me from being a leader and having a successful life after college.” - Kiyan, 20
DAPHNE, FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT
TARRANT COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Education
“My goals going into my first semester of college is to maintain a high GPA, gain experience in the education field working with youth, and volunteer in my community. I want to become a high school teacher after graduation.
Create + Collaborate has paired me with a first generation college graduate who teaches in the community I was raised in. Having her as a mentor has given me the confidence to start college. She has helped me schedule my classes and always pushes me towards my goals.” -Daphne, 18
ARMANDO - FIRST GENERATION College student
WILLIAMS BARBER COLLEGE
“I plan to go to school to become a barber. I cut hair all through high school and realized my senior year I could make a career out of it. I am excited to pursue my passions and use my talents.
Create + Collaborate is helping me make connections with other barbers in Fort Worth. I am learning how to brand myself and become a leader in that industry. I’m grateful for any assistance I receive to help reach my goals.” - Armando, 18
Tayshaun
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY - Computer Science
“My college goals future goals are to get more involved on campus and maintain a high GPA. My plans post college are to go into a career in software engineering or a related field.
I’m grateful for the exposure I’m gaining through Create + Collaborate. I’m paired with a mentor from a similar background as me who graduated with his masters from TCU. The Fit For the Future Program is helping me grow as a leader and gain the confidence I need for my life after college.” - Tayshaun 19
Zion - First generation college student
TARRANT COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Education
“My goals for college are to maintain a high GPA, gain professional development skills, take financial literacy classes, and get more involved in my community. Post college I plan to become a high school teacher and coach.
Ms. Ricquel has mentored me since 8th grade. I knew when Create + Collaborate started I needed to be a part. They have helped me register for my classes, advised me on post high school options, and are providing me with connections and resources that I need to sustain myself in college. I am looking forward to giving back and becoming a mentor as well one day.” -Zion, 18
DYLAN - FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY - Theater
“My goals in college are to maintain a high GPA, get involved on campus, and build a foundation for my career. I am looking forward to growing my talents so I can reach my goal of becoming an actor one day.
I would tell everyone who wants to join Create + Collaborate that it’s more than an organization, it’s a family. I know I will have the support that I need to be successful in college.” -Dylan, 18
ANAIAH
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY - Youth Advocacy + Spanish/Comparative Race + Ethnic Studies Minor
“My college goals are to study abroad, graduate with honors, and gain professional experience. After college I plan to work towards my master’s degree while working in education.
Create + Collaboreate has provided with a mentor that is a middle school teacher and has a background in non profit. I’m excited to continue to learn from someone who is where I’m working towards getting. ” -Anaiah, 19
NAYELI, FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY - Finance and American Sign
Language
“In college I plan to major in finance and real estate and minor in American Sign Language. I plan to join the Hispanic and Sign Language Club. After college I plan to work in the financial industry in minority communities to teach financial literacy. I will use my multiple languages to connect people and provide them with the resources they need to be successful.
Create + Collaborate creates a safe environment that allows me to learn about myself and others. The program has empowered me to be more confident in my leadership. They have helped me gain connections with mentors from similar backgrounds. The positivity of this program inspires me to be true to myself through college.” - Nayeli, 18
NICKLAUS
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ARLINGTON - Journalism
“My goals in college are to graduate with honors and to gain professional experience. My goals post college are to work at a small newspaper firm while attending grad school.
Create + Collaborate has helped me maintain relationships with my peers from high school and to meet leaders from my community. Fit For the Future program has empowered me to change my view on college and it has taught me how to carry myself as a leader.” - Nick, 18
kameron
JOHNSON C SMITH UNIVERSITY - Marketing
“After college I plan to establish a business in apparel. I plan to travel and to expand my thinking. My college goals are to work on building my business while making my out of state living feel like home.
I’ve always known I’ve wanted to be an entrepreneur and now Create + Collaborate is introducing me to entrepreneurs from similar backgrounds. Hearing their stories and seeing how they navigate life and starting a business has given me role models to learn from. It’s a reminder that we all can fulfill our calling.” - Kam, 18
austin
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY - Environmental Science
“My plans post college are to work for a water resource company and to work with youth as a basketball coach. My goals for this year is to make my Bible study an official organization on TCU campus, grow my podcast and get more involved in other organizations on campus.
Create + Collaborate has given me an opportunity to have stability and mentorship in a confusing time in college. They have provided me with assistance with many needs that I had going into college. They are committed to my future and seeing me graduate.” - Austin, 19
AKIN
NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY - Fine Arts/Fashion Design
“In college I plan to continue to grow my brand and Fashion Design company LongLive UNO. I’m looking forward to Norfolk University because the fashion design studio reminds me of my art class from high school. I come from a big village of people that has gotten me ready for college and I know the support will continue through Create + Collaborate and my family.” -Akin, 18
estrillita (Starr) - first generation college student
TARRANT COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Art/Science
“My college goals are to maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher, gain a leadership position in the community, and to join organizations on campus. I also want to be successful in the photography internship that Create + Collaborate has provided me with. After college I plan to be a full time teacher and photographer.
Create + Collaborate has taught me valuable lessons about building a connection with myself and what it means to be a leader. Create + Collaborate is exposing me to the endless possibilities and opportunities in my field of study by introducing me to professionals in the creative and education industries. My mentor continually encourages me to further my education and leadership skills. Create + Collaborate is giving me the confidence to become first in my family to graduate from college.” - Starr, 18
SHERRY - FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT
TARRANT COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Social Work/Real Estate
“My future goals for college are to make new friends and get out of my comfort zone. I want to be first in my family to graduate and major in Social Work because I want to go back to my community and help youth believe anything is possible. My plans after college are to work on my real estate license while working with children.
Ms. Ricq has mentored me since 8th grade and I was excited when she told me about Create + Collaborate. The Fit For The Future program has helped shape me as a leader and given me the encouragement I needed to finish high school and pursue college.” - Sherry, 18
MASON
MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY - Mechanical Engineering
“My plan is to graduate college within 5 years while joining and engineering internship to build my resume. After college I want to work for a major engineering company and buy a house.
Create + Collaborate is helping me grow as a leader. I’m grateful for the opportunities to be around like minded people and mentors. Being a part of the programs is helping alleviate financial burdens. Gaining additional support with my dorm means a lot to me.” -Mason, 19