News Summary
The University of Memphis showcases its commitment to first-generation students through the inspiring journey of Ariday Acosta, who overcame significant challenges with the support of the Equal Chance for Education scholarship. This scholarship not only facilitated her graduation but also highlighted the importance of mentorship and community in achieving educational goals. Ariday’s story exemplifies perseverance and serves as an inspiration to future generations looking to pursue higher education.
University of Memphis Empowers First-Generation Student Ariday Acosta to Achieve Her Dreams
Located in the vibrant city of Memphis, the University of Memphis is more than just a place for academic pursuit; it’s a supportive community that nurtures the dreams of students from all walks of life. A perfect example of this is Ariday Acosta, a trailblazing first-generation college graduate who has shown that with the right support, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.
A Journey of Determination
As a proud recipient of the Equal Chance for Education (ECE) scholarship, Ariday’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of support systems. This scholarship is specifically designed to aid undocumented students, and for Ariday, it was a vital stepping stone on her path to graduation. She candidly reflects that without the nurturing environment and resources provided by the University of Memphis, she simply wouldn’t have made it through.
In her family, Ariday was the second child to attend university, but she made history as the first to move away from home for her education. This leap was not without its challenges; she faced the hurdles of adapting to a new city while juggling college courses, all while grappling with self-doubt about her worthiness in an academic setting.
Growing Up Valuing Education
Education has always been a cornerstone in Ariday’s upbringing. She was raised in a household that prioritized knowledge and learning, and she took this to heart, thriving in her studies as a straight-A student. Yet, like many students, she encountered moments of uncertainty about her major and career trajectory during her college journey.
Mentorship That Matters
One of the pillars of Ariday’s success has been the guidance she received from Jacki Rodriguez, the Director of the Office of First-Generation Student Success. Their monthly meetings provided a platform for Ariday to discuss her academic progress and any challenges that arose, creating a sense of accountability and support.
On-Campus Involvement
But Ariday didn’t stop there—she immersed herself in campus life, which played a critical role in shaping her identity. She earned the Spirit of the Tiger award for two consecutive years, a reflection of her commitment to being involved. Her leadership roles have included serving as a tour guide, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Alpha Delta Pi, Chapter President of Alpha Delta Pi, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Panhellenic Council, Vice President of Order of Omega, and even a Frosh Camp Counselor. Such involvement has enriched her college experience and deepened her ties to the university community.
Inspiration for Future Generations
Ariday stands as an inspiration to other undocumented, first-generation students, encouraging them to pursue higher education as a completely achievable dream. Her aim is to leave a legacy that demonstrates success is possible, even if the journey takes longer than expected. She embodies the mindset of perseverance and determination, holding close to her father’s inspiring motto: “I am, I can, it’s easy, and I will achieve it.”
A Supportive Campus Environment
The University of Memphis is dedicated to offering numerous opportunities for support, mentorship, and community engagement for all its students. This commitment has not gone unnoticed, as the university has been recognized as a “First-Gen Forward” campus, showcasing its effort to assist first-generation students in achieving their educational goals.
In conclusion, Ariday Acosta’s journey is a ringing endorsement of what can happen when determination meets support. Her story is not just about her success—it’s about paving the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps. With the help of institutions like the University of Memphis, dreams can indeed become reality.
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Additional Resources
- We Are Memphis: Ariday Acosta
- Fox 13 Memphis: University of Memphis Helps Students Dress for Success
- Daily Memphian: Best Wishes Boutique
- Commercial Appeal: Garden Brunch Cafe Mentoring
- Choose 901: Making Memphis a First-Gen Forward City
- Wikipedia: University of Memphis
- Google Search: First Generation Students
- Google Scholar: First Generation College Success
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Memphis University First Generation
