College Visions

You Change Lives!

2011-12-27T16:30:00Z

"You guys rock and basically changed my life. Without College Visions I wouldn't be able to go to college and actually become somebody."

- Solanny, Textron Chambers '11, Brandeis '16

When you give to College Visions, you make an investment in students like Solanny. You ensure talented young people, regardless of socioeconomic status, have the opportunity to earn a college degree.

People like you make College Visions' vital work possible. Your gift will support 250 students to enter, succeed in, and graduate from college. Please act now make a secure, tax-deductible donation here:

Thank you for your support!

A New Perspective

2011-12-23T03:09:10Z

Studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to gain a new perspective on the world; it's a chance for discovery and soul searching. We caught up with Kiera Gillock and Masha Paul, currently studying abroad at McDaniel College's campus in Budapest.

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Tell us about the country you are in and how you got there. What led to the decision on your country of study? What steps did you take to get into the program you are in?

Hungary is a small country and Budapest is an even smaller but lively city. Buda and Pest are two parts of one city separated by the Danube River. The Pest side is known as the more metropolitan area of Budapest while Buda is more suburban and low key; that is where you can find the mountains and scenery. Budapest is a beautiful city and the buildings that us McDaniel students reside in throughout Pest are centuries old. We are surrounded by opera houses, lakes, bridges, wine festivals, monuments, etc.

From my observations I can tell you that Budapest seems to be a popular place for college students in Europe to study, especially for medical and law programs. When I had to make the big choice with CV on which college I would choose to attend, I chose McDaniel for its Budapest Program. Because McDaniel has a sister school in Hungary, the financial aid I receive from the school transfers without any problems and the credits for classes are easily transferred onto my transcript. I started to play with the idea of doing the Budapest program in the beginning of my second semester at McDaniel. By then I declared my communications major and knew that if I wanted to study abroad it would be better to do it earlier than later. It would also be a great way to learn about myself and how independent I could be in a foreign country.

After talking about it with my mom I went to the study abroad office and had a consultation. I also talked with friends who experienced the program and got their opinions and advice. Before I knew it I was saving up money and writing letters asking for support from family and friends to go to Hungary and if it weren't for them I wouldn't be here expanding my perspective of the world. It's totally beneficial going to a less popular (at least I think for American student) country for studying abroad because it seems to be less touristy and more cultural. Also the fact that I would be poor in any country that has the Euro currency doesn't hurt at all. 225 forints to a dollar, not bad! - Masha Paul

Tell us about the transition from school in the US to your study abroad program. How does the curriculum compare to classes at your school in the US?

The curriculum here is a little different. Although, since it is an American school, they try to mimic the American system. The classes are highly discussion based, which personally I really like. The classes are also a lot smaller offering a more intimate feeling to the class. This helps you get a better grasp of the material since it's more interactive and if you feel like you don't understand anything it's easier for the professor to stop and clarify instead of getting lost in a crowd of people. - Kiera Gillock

Tell us about your classes. Maybe you have a favorite class or professor.

Here in Budapest, I don't get half the amount of small assignments I would normally get at McDaniel, but class participation is highly encouraged...scratch that, necessary. My classes range from 4 to 12 students. Needless to say, if you decide to sleep in or not hand in that term paper, your professor will know. Some would probably hate this, but I kind of like having to participate. Even in my lecture classes, I'm bound to be more engaged than I would if the professor didn't know my name. The classes are all taught in English. One thing that amazes me is in my Hungarian class the other students are learning a third language through their second language. Being bi-lingual is basically the norm here. My favorite class probably has to be European Film Art. We watch the most obscure films, certainly ones I would never rent on Netflix, and we analyze them. One thing I have learned, surrealism is NOT my taste in regards to film genres. - Masha Paul

Tell us about your living situation. Do you live in student housing or with a host family? What is your neighborhood like?

Here, they put us up in flats around the city. We live in two-person apartments, and we're all spread out so we don't all live in the same building. It's good because we get used to going around the city to meet each other, which means we've seen more of the city and get out a lot more. Plus, it's more comfortable than living in dorms, because it's YOUR bedroom and YOUR kitchen and YOUR bathroom. You don't have to share them with a bunch of different people you probably don't know and it's much more convenient. I love being able to cook for myself and socializing with my neighbors. - Kiera Gillock

Tell us about your social life. What do you do outside of class? What are your friends the program like? What's your favorite thing you've done so far?

One of the many aspects about being abroad is having the opportunity to befriend people from all around the world. I have classmates from China, Nigeria, Germany, Iran, and of course Hungary, just to name a few. Everyone is so open about meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures that it easy to make friends. Locally, it's very easy to find a new place to go to every weekend like a karaoke bar or a salsa club. It's funny because in most public places you're more likely to hear American top 40 rather than Hungarian pop music.

I love the theatre so I made sure to be a frequent patron of the Hungarian Opera house located just one metro stop from my flat. So far I've seen the Italian opera "Rigeletto" and the ballet 'Csajkovszkij' both for only 1000 forints each. That's a little under $5 per performance. One of the things I love about Budapest is that the arts are easily accessible and affordable for college students, and anyone for that matter. They might not be royalty class boxed seats, but as long as I can see the stage that is good for me. I've also attended performances at the Palace of the Arts.

Visiting the Great Market Hall is one of my favorite activities. They sell fresh fruits and vegetables; meat, fish, and cheese; fresh baked bread and pastries; and Hungarian wine and entrees like Langosh and Goulash. It's so awesome! It is also a great place to buy souvenirs. Our current hotspot though is the local Christmas Festival open every day up until the end of December.

My favorite activity so far though has probably been the group study trip to Venice and Vienna. I would never think that I would have been able to go to these places, especially during college. I can actually check eating pizza in Italy off my bucket list (though I found that I still prefer my Antonio's. Go Providence!). The cities were just so full of beauty and history. I loved visiting the Habsburg palace in Vienna and learning about the family. They gave us personal audio guides that would lead you through the palace and tell you their story. It was like walking through a documentary. The funniest thing about visiting other countries is when we found ourselves trying to communicate with people first in Hungarian, and then remembering that we weren't in Hungary anymore. The fact that it's so easy to travel from one major city to another by bus is among the reasons why I love Europe! We will definitely miss it here, but can't wait to be home for the holidays! - Masha Paul

What would you say to other students interested in traveling abroad? What kind of advice can you give?

If you get the chance, definitely study abroad. It offers this unique perspective that's just irreplaceable. Meeting so many new people and, if you have an open mind, learning about other peoples' cultures is truly amazing. It's an experience I wouldn't trade for anything. But know the country you're going to at least fairly well. You don't have to know their history from top to bottom, but know the general customs, (e.g. do they think it's rude to look them in the eyes while talking or to talk too loudly in public, do they feel uncomfortable with strangers saying hello, know how to say simple things like thank you, excuse me, etc). It's like when you go to someone else's house. You wouldn't just immediately treat it like you were in your own home; you'd be careful to note if they want you to take off your shoes when you walk in. Know what the country is like and how they feel about Americans. Here, because it's a part of their culture, they look down on drinking a lot, or socializing in the home. They feel that hanging out with friends should be done in public and being at home is for you and your neighbors to rest after a long day of work. My favorite part is that people in Europe tend to be more social. They like to get to know others and love to talk to new people.

My best advice is this: Be respectful to your host country and its people, have an open mind about different cultures and ideas, and most importantly have fun and see as much as you can! - Kiera Gillock

Packed with Care

2011-12-23T03:08:01Z

'Tis the season for college student care packages. With an assembly line stretching the length of the office, a team of volunteers packed care packages for almost 200 College Success Program students at colleges around the world.

A very special thanks goes out to Lori Reinhardt, Lori Oliveira, Mary Ellen Panzini, and Patricia Saracino from BankRI (who also donated pens for the packages). We'd also like to thank board member Delinda Johnson, Sue Ea (CV Parent '12), Michelle Ea (CV '12), Abel Hernandez (CV Alum '07), Delia Rodriguez, Joanne Rich, Hannah Rich, Kiviana Ventura, Adj Marshall, Mariel Acosta, and Joana Tejada for helping to pack the care packages. Thank you!

Dressed for Success

2011-12-23T03:04:48Z

At our annual Interview Prep Day, College Access Program 12th graders participated in mock college interviews with volunteers that included CV alums, grad students, and local professionals. Dressed for success, the students received constructive feedback and polished their interview skills.

Currently in its third year running, Interview Prep Day hosted twenty students and twenty volunteers. It was a packed house at the CV office. We paired volunteers with students for a preliminary round of interviews and then gave the students a chance to reflect on their performance. Next the interviewers gave the students critical feedback to incorporate into a second round of interviews. While this event was very informative, students and volunteers also had a blast! Here's what they had to say about the event.

]]> "I loved meeting the two remarkable young people I got to interview. Thank you for the opportunity to participate." - Martha, volunteer

"I thought this process was an excellent way to build the students' confidence before their real college interview. I was able to give a lot of advice to students that I wish I had known when I was going through this application process as a youth." - Maria, volunteer

"I had a great time. Both Andy and Beth are such determined, motivated kids. You are providing such an essential service to them." - Joanne, volunteer

"Meeting people up front who honestly gave me feedback on my interview was invaluable." - Sessily, student

"This activity gave me experience and improved my skills for future college interviews. It also helped me to get to know myself better along with expanding my communication skills." - Xiao, student

"I am so glad I did this, I really learned a lot. I can't wait to start interviewing!" - Julio, student

The Party of the Year

2011-12-23T02:58:06Z

As deadlines rapidly approached, College Access Program 12th graders finalized applications with the help of staff and volunteers at our annual application parties. The office was packed with busy students hard at work on tackling their first major deadline: the University of Rhode Island's Talent Development program application. Every CAP student who intended to apply to URI met the December 15th Deadline.

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CV on the Radio

2011-11-22T23:35:51Z

Kirby Vasquez, Classical High School '10, Smith College '14

"Hey everybody! This is my second year participating in my college radio show, which is called WOZQ. My radio name is DJ Quez and my co-dj is DJ Roomba. Our show is from 8-10 pm on Sunday nights. We decided to host a radio show together because we had similar taste in music. During WOZQ, we mostly play indie-folk music and local artists as well. Our radio show is broadcasted locally, so our students listen in, as well as people living in Northampton, MA. What's really cool about playing local artists is that my co-dj and I get to go to some concerts for free in Northampton, as well as interview the artists for our show!

Overall, this experience has been a lot of fun. I get to hang out with my friend, and we play music that we love. This also gives us the opportunity to be involved with the Smith Community. As an organization, we host events and workshops to get people interested in our radio show. I also love being a part of the first all women's college radio show!"

Servio Gomes, Cranston East '09, CCRI '11, RIC '13

"The name of my radio show is Sounds of St. Elsewhere based on the Gnarls Barkley album. I chose to host the show because I wanted to have a place to share music with others and discuss important issues. The listener base fluctuates week to week depending on how much word I happen to put out on Facebook or Twitter. I often lead the show along with my co-host Erik who often provides comedic relief and general commentary. The music I play is rather eclectic, ranging from jazz and classic rock to hip-hop and independent niche-artists from around the world. Discussion on the show typically consists of world news and politics as well as technology and cultural topics. I also decided to make my show an official post for information regarding the Occupy movement as a way to raise awareness for the cause and to keep folks updated with its progression."

On the Road to Higher Ed

2011-11-22T23:00:13Z

"I believed it was like any other college, but coming and actually getting a tour and experiencing things here has changed my perspective. I like the atmosphere, the way it looks, and how it is community based." - Beth reflecting on the Providence College Visit

College Visions is busy on the road again this fall with a van full of students visiting campuses across New England. Through the college visits College Access Program (CAP) students are able to step onto a campus and get an up close and personal glimpse of the college experience. Attendees participated in guided campus tours, information sessions with admissions officials, and had lunch with our College Success Program (CSP) students to get the real scoop on campus life.

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This year CAP students had a chance to visit College of the Holy Cross, University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, Community College of Rhode Island, Providence College, and Mount Holyoke, in addition to Union College thanks to the Mt. Hope Neighborhood Association.

CV would like to give a big thank you to the CV college students who came out and shared their college experiences. To view more pictures, visit our Facebook fan page.

Here's what some other students had to say.

Before the visit "I thought it was a bigger, city like college, where everyone kept to themselves." - Adrian reflecting on the Providence College Campus Visit

"I'm glad that this college has available tutoring centers. It is great to know that I can have help with some of my writing and reading skills as well as technical." - Theda reflecting on the Mount Holyoke Campus Visit

"I had believed all the stereotypes of this school but the tour proved that most of them were wrong. I thought I would only see people from Rhode Island but I learned you constantly see new people wherever you go." - Vina reflecting on the URI Campus Visit

"I am glad to hear about the TD program which provides substantial help both academically and financially. Also, seeing the eating areas and different activities and groups you can participate in made me more interested and excited about going to URI" - Robinson reflecting on the URI Campus Visit

CSP Spotlight on Angel Peña

2011-10-20T22:43:31Z

I am a current junior at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. This year, however, I have decided to embark on a study abroad program through the Associated Kyoto Program.

I arrived in Kyoto, Japan about three weeks ago after 18 hours of traveling. Desperate to explore and relax, we finally checked into the Kyoto tower hotel, which is one 20 famous towers in Japan, containing a 360 degree view of Kyoto at its peak. At the end of the weeklong orientation we got to climb the tower. I was in awe at the view--the background filled with puffy white clouds, the sky as blue as I have ever seen it, and green mountains enclosing the city. Binoculars were stationed around the tower with instructions on how to find particular landmarks from their view.

]]> Across the street from the hotel is Kyoto Eki or Kyoto station, which is a gigantic, spectacular glass designed building. Kyoto Eki is not only an underground train station but also an edifice engorged with tons of restaurants, cafe's, and stores. At the top of Kyoto Eki is a skyline that takes you from one end of the station to another. The view was also nice. It allowed you to see out into the city as well but I what found more appealing was the long set of orange colored stairs that bring you to a romantically lit restaurant and waterfall. Japanese aesthetics are quite different from the U.S.

After that week I finally met my host parents who are an elderly couple in Fukakusa. They have two children in their twenties but they live else where. My host father runs his own business from home as a masseur and my mother is a nurse at a local hospital. They are the most wonderful people I have met. They have taken me in like their son. My mother makes me nicely cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday. For lunch she prepares me an obento, which is basically a packed lunch wrapped and held together with a handkerchief. My dad and I already have our inside jokes. I cannot complain; life is good here in the Japan. The weather is just like Puerto Rico's, very warm but humid.

A Sad Day for Our Community

2011-09-24T19:42:31Z

We are profoundly saddened by the unexpected, tragic passing of Kolajo Paul Afolabi.

Kolajo was a committed friend of College Visions and recently joined our Board of Directors. He was a caring, fun-loving friend to many and also deeply committed to promoting educational opportunity - especially for those affected by a system that presents so many barriers to success.

This is devastating loss for his friends, family, and the college access world. Kolajo was a talented scholar with a powerful, creative vision for promoting access and success in higher education. He was a force for progress, yet spoke with humility and compassion. Providence was lucky to have him.

Please take a moment to learn more about Kolajo's life and legacy here and here.

Details on his funeral services are available here.

We are deeply grateful to all who have made donations in Kolajo's honor. We appreciate your commitment to celebrating his life. Thank you!

His memory will live on at College Visions.

Rest in peace, Kolajo.

Ride to a New World

2011-05-25T20:12:38Z

Getting through college no easy feat. Students have to deal with the high pressure of finals, dealing with tough professors, and often holding down a part-time job. But every year, CV students manage to not only take care of their responsibilities, they also have fun meeting new people, going to cool events, and exploring the world! Before we know it, our CV students grow into amazing adults and graduate from college. In the video below, Abel Hernandez, a graduating senior from RISD, shares his college story with us.

First Wave to Wisconsin

2011-05-25T20:08:22Z

Now that college decisions have been made and the school year is winding down, students are preparing to enter the next phase of their lives: going to college! Darline Morales reflects on her college application process and explains what she's looking forward to in college.

Scoping Out Colleges

2011-05-25T19:33:40Z

In the weeks leading up to May 1, the college decision deadline, CV organized a series of college visits for admitted seniors. 12^th graders traveled to CCRI, RIC, URI, colleges across New England, and beyond for the chance to scope out their top schools. Sol Camanzo, a senior at Cranston East, seized the opportunity to visit McDaniel College in Maryland get a taste of college life by shadowing a CV college student on campus.

When I decided to visit McDaniel College, I was nervous about how everything would be since my colleagues and I were going without a College Visions coordinator. ]]> p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } My worries were gone as soon as we arrived at the Maryland airport. We arrived at McDaniel College in a limousine! The campus looked so bright, green and clean. The McDaniel students were nice and social with me even though I was a total stranger, which made me feel comfortable. I also had the opportunity to take a psychology class and I enjoyed it. The teacher explained the material in a way that people clearly understood. The reason why I decided on McDaniel College was because when I went to the college visit, I had a great experience and I could only imagine how much of a better experience I would have if I attended McDaniel. Without College Visions, I do not know what I would have done!

Students: Want to Join CV?

2011-04-20T17:46:00Z

Are you an upcoming high school senior looking to go to college? Do you know someone who is??? College Visions is recruiting for our next class. We are looking for students who:

· Are current 11th graders at Providence-area public high schools;

· Are first-generation college bound, meaning parents do not have a bachelor's degree from the US;

· Qualify for free or reduced lunch at school; and

· Are passing core classes and on track to graduate in June 2012

If you meet these criteria and are interested in applying, please fill out this application: 2011 CV Application.pdf

The completed application is due Tuesday, May 31.

We're Hiring!

2011-04-20T17:45:00Z

A brand new position just opened up here at College Visions! As the organization grows, our need for strong systems to manage finances, physical space, and operations is also expanding. We're looking for someone who's experienced with fiscal management, tech savvy, and enthusiastic about college access to join the team as a part-time Operations + Finance Manager.

Find a detailed description of the position here.

Warm it Up!

2011-04-20T16:47:33Z

The CV Office Warming was a huge success - our new space was packed with people and positive energy! The event drew over 100 students, parents, friends, and supporters who celebrated the many accomplishments of our organization. Joana Tejada, CV '06, spoke at the event. With her outstanding achievement and long-time commitment to CV, she's an example for all our students. A recent Bentley University graduate, Joana is now beginning her finance career at Bank of America.

I have seen this organization flourish over the past few years. CV has helped me tremendously throughout my academic career.
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As a high school student I was given great insight about the college process and received valuable mentorship guidance. Also, while attending Bentley University, CV remained one of my biggest supporters and served as an excellent resource. Even now as a recent graduate, I remain involved with CV as an active volunteer.

It was a great honor to be a part of the open house for College Visions. I was surprised to see the amount of people that supported and believed in the mission and values of the organization. I met various alumni, parents, sponsors and more importantly, students. At the event I was given the opportunity to speak during the ribbon cutting ceremony, where I shared my experience of how CV has continued to influence our community. Attending the open house allowed me to see the progression that College Visions has made over the years and assured me that I am associated with such a great team!