LUCA Scholar Josh M. of Peekskill High School is the fifth and final LUCA Scholar to be recognized as a 2025 QuestBridge National College Match Scholar, earning a full four-year scholarship to Boston University. His accomplishment completes a remarkable milestone for LUCA’s Scholar community.
“Matching through QuestBridge showed me that effort can go a long way. The LUCA team—especially my coach, Josué Zamora—motivated me through difficult moments to aim higher and give my best.”
LUCA Scholar Mariangel O., a student at Port Chester High School, has been named a 2025 QuestBridge National College Match Scholar, earning a full four-year scholarship to Cornell University. Her achievement reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence and family-centered motivation.
“The QuestBridge match not only fulfills my dream of studying at Cornell, but also the dream of doing so without financially burdening my parents. I am eternally grateful to my parents and my LUCA Coach, Clara Román, who continue to instill a passion and drive in me—helping me stay focused and never lose sight of my goals.”
LUCA Scholar Carlos del A. of New Rochelle High School has been selected as a 2025 QuestBridge National College Match Scholar, earning a full four-year scholarship to Harvard University. As a first-generation student, Carlos’s achievement represents a life-changing opportunity for both himself and his family.
“Being matched to an Ivy League university like Harvard—free of debt—has changed the game for me and my family. I will be the first in my family to attend college and take on these financial responsibilities.
Through the support of LUCA and QuestBridge, I was able to confidently navigate the college application journey. My coach, Mrs. Silchen Lee, a Harvard alum, dedicated countless hours of her personal time to my education and was always a kind, supportive presence throughout this challenging process.
LUCA Scholar Sophia F., a senior at New Rochelle High School, has been named a 2025 QuestBridge National College Match Scholar, earning a full four-year scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania.
Her journey underscores how access to information, encouragement, and guidance can open doors for students and their families.
“Going from not even knowing about QuestBridge to matching through the program means everything to me and my family. It represents a promise for my future. I’m forever grateful for my coach, Debra Hand, and LUCA, whose guidance and support helped me reach this milestone. I truly couldn’t have done it without their dedication.”
LUCA Scholar Raul S. of Sleepy Hollow High School has been selected as a 2025 QuestBridge National College Match Scholar, earning a full four-year scholarship to Vassar College. His achievement reflects the power of guidance, opportunity, and perseverance in helping first-generation students navigate the college process.
“College has always been a future I dreamed of as a first-generation student, but the cost made it feel frightening for my family. Thanks to LUCA’s support, I was able to give my parents peace of mind by showing my potential through QuestBridge and earning a full-ride to Vassar College. The once-overwhelming college journey became much easier thanks to my coaches, John Finger and Elena Herrera. Their support was immeasurable—they kept me on track and pushed me to produce work that truly reflected my potential. LUCA has been such a huge part of this journey, and I’m grateful to share this moment with them.”
Transitioning through your first years of college isn’t easy—especially for first-generation students who may be living away from home for the first time. Many are navigating homesickness, new responsibilities, and unfamiliar environments all at once.
“It is hard to adjust to such changes, and keeping in touch with people from home is a great first step in building your support system.”
For Dayanara, that support system is made up of her family, her best friend, and her LUCA Volunteer College Coach, Joann. Staying connected to them has eased the pressure of feeling homesick and given her the confidence to step outside her comfort zone—joining clubs, meeting new people, and getting involved on campus.
Her advice to other first-generation students?
During moments of transition—big or small—lean into the people who, even from far away, continue to encourage you, guide you, and be there for you.
Sometimes all it takes is a phone call, a text, or a quick FaceTime to feel grounded again and to remind yourself that you’re not alone as you build your own path.
Congratulations to LUCA Scholar Doriz, Class of 2019, on her acceptance to medical school!
We’re beyond proud to celebrate this incredible milestone with Doriz, who will be starting the M.D. program at Central Michigan University College of Medicine this August! Her journey is a powerful testament to the strength of determination, community, and purpose.
Reflecting on the moment she received her acceptance, Doriz shared: “I was really shocked! Seeing the culmination of so much hard work placed into the body of a short email was a lot to process. I immediately FaceTimed my mom to let her know, which prompted happy tears on both ends. I also reached out to some friends, including Miryam, my fellow LUCA Scholar and med student, who has given me a tremendous amount of support and guidance in this process.
Overall, it was such a surreal moment, and I’m excited to take the next steps in my career as a future physician.”
Miryam M., a LUCA Scholar from the Class of 2016, is currently in her first year at SUNY Upstate Medical University, working toward her dream of becoming a physician. After graduating from The City College of New York – CUNY in 2020, Miryam contributed to LUCA’s mission as the Financial Aid Advisor before embarking on her medical school journey. Now, she is fully immersed in the challenges and opportunities of medical school, where her commitment, determination, and resilience as a first-generation college student continue to drive her success.
Miryam shared, “Being accepted into medical school has been life-changing, affirming that all the sacrifices—late nights studying, working multiple jobs, and navigating challenges as a first-generation college student—were worth it. It has given me the opportunity to turn my experiences into action, to advocate for patients like my family, and to bridge the gap between medicine and the communities that need it most. Right now, the journey is intense and humbling, but every challenge reminds me why I fought so hard to be here. I’m grateful, determined, and excited to become the kind of physician I once needed.“
Miryam’s story reflects the importance of perseverance, the value of education, and the strength of community support. Her dedication to making a positive impact and helping others inspires all who follow her path.
It teaches us that every challenge we face today contributes to the successes we achieve tomorrow.
