Student Stories: Abel

Abel Hernandez

Central High School 2007
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) 2012

I have been through a lot in the past. A lot of college applications, that is! I remember applying to many different types of colleges and universities. Some were considered "safety" schools; others were "reach" schools, and last but not least there were the "likely" schools. For me, the college application process was tense. It can take a lot to get through, but at the end, when it's all said and done, it's all well worth it.

One of the greatest accomplishments of my life was not some type of creation--like a beautiful drawing or a painting--but the fact that I was able to attain something I felt and thought was unattainable. Getting to where I am now has been an interesting experience, and in the end, I have come to a conclusion: if you really want something, you can strive to get it.

My junior year I came to RISD for a tour, not knowing that day would change my life. I wanted to find out more about a Summer Pre-College program I had heard about from some friends. It was all going well until a young lady (who worked after school at RISD) tried to put me down. She felt I was incapable of completing this summer program because an old friend of mine did not do very well, and I believe she felt I was the same. She insisted that not apply for a scholarship because she felt someone else could get more out of this program.

Nonetheless, I ended up going, and it was the best six weeks I had ever had. It was not easy because the workload in the architecture department was intense, but ultimately I received an A. So, what did I learn from my college admissions experience? Well, I learned that there are many obstacles in life, some greater than others, but with programs like College Visions, with the great supportive staff there, some goals or even dreams become reachable. I have reached mine: I am currently a freshman at the Rhode Island School of Design.