Interview with a 3-time scholarship recipient: Damaris Vicarte

Damaris Vicarte is a three-time recipient of the Steve Johnsen scholarship and a graduate of La Academia, DICP’s former high school.

Her goal is to be the first person in her family to finish college with a bachelor’s degree. She is close to completing a degree in Marketing at the Business School of the University of Colorado Denver. She works part-time to support herself and her daughter while finishing school. Her family constantly encourages her to keep working hard despite the obstacles and challenges.

When did you know that getting a college degree was the right choice for you?

I knew getting a college degree was the right choice for me when I would see how hard my

parents worked to provide my siblings and me with a stable life. As I grew, I knew I

needed to get a college degree because my parents came to this country to provide my siblings and me a better life. I knew I needed to get a college degree when I knew I had the opportunities to do so, knowing that would affect not only my future but my family’s, including my daughter. I also knew I needed to get a college degree when I heard of this “American Dream.” To me being able to attend college and getting this far has been a privilege, especially as a first-generation student.

What are the things you most enjoy about being a college student?

I truly enjoy how much you can learn. College taught me not only the concepts of my courses but what life truly consists of. I have enjoyed how much college has opened up my mind. I am now able to view a situation from different perspectives, and I love how I can do that. Moreover, I also enjoy the college experience of meeting new people and attending events. As a college student, I have also enjoyed being able to see my progress. Being a college student has been a nice and memorable experience that I will always remember.

Over the last 3-4 years, what have been the biggest challenges while attending college?