Monica Sandoval
graduated 2014
from Whittier College
earned graduate degree 2016
With support from Future Sacramento, Monica reached her ultimate goal of receiving both of her Baccalaureate and Master degrees only six years after graduating high school. This is her student story...
I grew up in a household where the highest level of education was below high school. The only opportunities were minimum wage jobs, most physically demanding. My father drove trucks, my mother worked in fast food. When Future Sacramento called to tell me I was awarded the scholarship, my life changed. I knew my parents' sacrifices were not in vain. This scholarship made new opportunities possible and allowed me to become a better person in my community. It motivated me to push myself in my studies and become more involved on campus. I knew the challenge of college was necessary to become successful and create an image of future goals for my siblings. Right out of college, I was hired in my field to become an Early Interventionist working with children with disabilities from 0-3 years of age in low-income homes. Many of the young mothers that I work with are hesitant to go to college. I share about the different opportunities and resources for them and their children to pursue education. I am extremely grateful for this amazing opportunity with Future Sacramento and all of the many people that invested in our education, especially my mentor Elizabeth Marlow. She was there for me time after time. I couldn’t have done it without her. The support provided to students like me by Future Sacramento allows families to realize the dream of seeing their child become the first in their family to graduate from college.
Stephen graduated Spring 2015 with a baccalaureate degree in English as Literature from California State University, Sacramento.
"I have been with Future Sacramento since its first year in 2007. Without the support of Future Sacramento I would not have been able to attend college. Along with the guidance of my paired mentor, I have found a new path towards success through a collegiate education....Through the financial, educational, and emotional support given to me by Future Sacramento, I am proud to say that I am a college graduate..."Regardless of which field I decide to pursue for a career, two things are certain. The first being that I plan to make an impact within my field of choice, and the second being that I will continue to remain with Future Sacramento, through donations and fundraisers. In addition, I hope to guide one or more young students towards a similar path of success that I have taken...Future Sacramento has provided me with the support necessary towards having a successful vision in life, and I am grateful for everything they have done. The rest is in my hands, and I plan to continue to achieve at the level Future Sacramento has prepared me for."
Stephen's shared experience of being a first-generation college student after his first year away at college: After this first year in college, Stephen shared: "It seems like it was just yesterday when I showed up into that scary board room at CSU Sacramento with a non-matching suit for my interview for the program, and I find it remarkable that the guidance that Future Sacramento has given me has landed me where I am at today... Freshman year was an amazing experience, with trials, and accomplishments, all around. I can look back and say that everything I have been through has been beneficial, from being totally confused having to buy my own groceries for the first time, to earning an A in my first college level English class... Without Future Sacramento, there is no way that I could be on my way to a successful beginning in life. I have been able to not only escape some of the factors that would have held me back at home, but set my own standard of living, goal of where I want to be, shaped by the advice and examples of Future Sacramento."
Stephen Rubalcaba
graduated 2015
from Sacramento State
Vanessa Frias
graduated 2015
from Sacramento State
Vanessa graduated from Sacramento State after the Spring term of 2015 with a degree in History.
Vanessa started with Future Sacramento in 2007. During her eight years with the program, she flourished with improved self assurance. The opportunity for her to break out of her restrictive background to explore her potential in college was inspiring. The shy young high school freshman became a confident college graduate. One of Vanessa's remarkable traits is her willingness to take on a challenge and persevere through obstacles. As a high school student, she pushed her academics by attempting a college-level course offered by the local community college. In her first semester in college, Vanessa challenged herself with a diverse course load. Her grades from those first college-level courses showed her strengths in some areas - and taught her where she needed improvement. Although the marks were lower than her expectations for herself, we applauded her for willingness to try new things - and encouraged her to consider the experience as a lesson in what she could excel in for the future.
During high school and through college, Vanessa's family struggled with income loss and changes in her parent's employment. Vanessa did not have a stable place to call home, her family moved several times during her education. Vanessa was required to step in and extensively help with the child care of her two younger sisters. Her duties included grocery shopping and cooking all meals for her family, ensuring her younger sisters have safe transport home from school, watching over her younger sisters and helping them with their home work. Vanessa remained dedicated to her coursework - but her first year grades demonstrated that the demands from her family compromised her ability to succeed in her studies. Through her close participation with Future Sacramento board and mentors, Vanessa was supported to stay the course and overcome her personal and academic struggles. Vanessa was determined to improve. She worked to raise her GPA - seeking guidance from her mentors, working with her professors, and meeting with academic counselors.
Future Foundation of Sacramento
PO Box 9
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741