Scholar Stories

Zach S.’s story
Sheffield, OH
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business | University of Chicago

I am grateful for the amazing and supportive community that helped me when I matched with Dartmouth. After getting matched, I felt very anxious about coming to Dartmouth. I was worried I wouldn't fit in for being low-income and first-generation. Also, having a single mother and four siblings, I was worried about how I could continue helping my family while on the other side of the country. I expressed these concerns to my teachers and friends in high school and they all helped me with my worries. They reminded me of how many opportunities Dartmouth has for me, and that I am competent enough to go here. At Dartmouth, through the First Year Summer Enrichment Program for FGLI (first-generation, low-income) students, I learned that not only do I belong at Dartmouth, but Dartmouth is a better place because of me! I will forever be grateful for the encouragement and sense of belonging I received from my friends, family, teachers, first-generation community, and the QuestBridge community!

Iman B.’s story
Tucson, AZ
Dartmouth College

Jorge L.

Durham, NC

Swarthmore College

I grew up in rural North Carolina and didn’t know much else outside my town. I did well in school and knew I was expected to go to college. I found opportunities for myself but never really got clear insights about what to look for in a college. The whole process was a foreign language to me. It wasn’t until QuestBridge came and gave me information I hadn’t found anywhere else. The partner schools QuestBridge had were so different: liberal arts schools, large research universities, inner-city, suburban, and rural schools too. I was able to read up on several and knew that they would support me. After I joined a school that really matched my needs and interests, I felt very connected with the QuestBridge community there. I did my part in supporting the community and found myself to be a leader of the group by my senior year. I am still very grateful for QuestBridge and all the opportunities they have given me and continue to be active as an Alum.

This past year has been transformative for Oklahoma and my community. In May 2020, I graduated from Emory University and rediscovered my passion for community engagement and public service. Inspired by Emory’s dedication to research and service, I took action.In late 2023, at the age of 25, I ran for the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education, a district serving over 35,000 students, and in 2024 became the first Guatemalan-American elected to public office in Oklahoma. This milestone reflects both personal achievement and the values instilled in me at Emory.As a volunteer elected official and a proud QuestBridge Alum, I’m reminded of the power of dreaming big and pursuing ambitious goals. My work for students is fueled by the same passion I saw daily on campus. I’m deeply grateful to the Emory Alumni network, including those in Oklahoma, for their support and to the Emory community for inspiring me to strive for excellence and make a difference in my hometown.

Jessica C.’s story
Oklahoma City, OK
Emory University

"Your story is worth telling, and it is most certainly worth hearing."

Darby M.’s story
Macon, GA
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business | Yale University

"Applying through QuestBridge gave me a secondary path to receive a full-ride to pursue my MBA."

Briana N.’s story
Atlanta, GA
University of Chicago | The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

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