Success Story: Jovany Romero header image

 

Name: Jovany Romero
Born and raised in:
Portland, Oregon
Graduated from:
Roosevelt High School
Attending:
Western Oregon University
Year in school:
Sophomore
Major:
Business with a minor in Spanish
Activities involved in on campus:
Multicultural Student Union as a student member

What/who was the biggest influence on your decision to go to college?
My parents and younger siblings are my biggest influence on going to a university, I want to be a role model for them. And I want for them to have the same strive I have to go to college and also for them to have someone there leading and helping them with college applications.

What is one of the best things about college?
One of the best things about college is that you get to meet great new people and you form bonds with students and teachers. It's like you never left home, because the people there are part of a family you form when you start school. 

How did GEAR UP help you?
GEAR UP was a great program, I really enjoyed the help I received with all the college applications and scholarship essay. It left me at ease to know that someone was there to help me with my struggles. 

What are your future career plans?
My future plans are to graduate from Western Oregon University, and go to graduate school. I plan to open my own restaurant in Portland, and eventually open other restaurants in other states.  And also help students like me that were going through rough times in high school with university and scholarship applications.

What advice do you have for students currently in middle and high school GEAR UP programs?
I recommend students think of the university they would like to attend way before junior year on high school. That way you can have back up plans, if things don't go as planned. You also need to look for as many scholarships you qualify for and finish the applications way before the due date - that way you have time for people to go over the applications. And the most important thing is to major in something that makes you happy, not what other people want you to be. I had trouble doing all the things above that's why I want other students to know what is important to know when applying for school and scholarships.