Julio Salas-'18

Julio Salas is the oldest of four in his family. He is the first person in his family to attend college. He is part of the ASAP program as well as an America Needs You Fellow (ANY). Julio didn't have the easiest time growing up. His family struggled financially and that took a toll on him. Julio couldn't get the financial and emotional support from his family that many students have and possibly take for granted. Realizing early on that doing well in school would be Julio's way to get ahead, he started taking his education more seriously. He also realized he had a lot to give back. He became passionate about wanting to help under served populations. Understanding first-hand the emotional component that comes with feeling alone and having to do everything academically alone, Julio wants to help others deal with their struggles with self-esteem and confidence.

Julio has taken full advantage of all QCC has to offer. He has completed an internship at the Holocaust center, is a research assistant through the RIMS program (Research Initiative for Minority Students) studying Alzheimer 's disease at York College, and will be studying abroad in Austria for a week as an active participant in the Global Citizenship Alliance Program. Julio is very grateful for all the opportunities both QCC and ANY has opened up for him. In turn he would like to become an ANY mentor in the future when he has his career. In addition to all his academic successes he is also studying to be an EMT as he is very passionate about medicine and hopes to be a primary care physician in the future.

Julio visited the office of Career Services seeking help with his resume for an important scholarship application. He met with Ms. Sandra Strauss who was extremely enthusiastic and helpful, and guided Julio on how to highlight different aspects of his education and experience to strengthen his resume and scholarship opportunity. He recalls her genuine passion for helping him succeed. Her advice paid off as he became a semi-finalist in the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship program. The foundation offers a highly-selective scholarship for the nation's top community college students seeking to complete their bachelor's degrees at selective four-year colleges or universities. The Foundation provides up to $40,000 per year for up to three years, making it the largest scholarship for community college transfer students in the country. He awaits the big decision in April to determine if he becomes a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar.

Julio is a perfect example of what you can accomplish with drive, determination and heart. He never gave up on his dreams of pursuing higher education and giving back to under served communities. He is very proud of his hard work and continues to push himself in all aspects of his life. QCC is fortunate to call him one of their own.