SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT RISES ABOVE ADVERSITY

Franly Rosario

"All my life, I have been a strong believer that a person should be the change they want to be." That is the motto of College at Oneonta student Franly Rosario. Franly rose above gang violence and drugs that were part of growing up in New York City's Washington Heights to be a successful student at the College at Oneonta Foundation. Here is his story.

Growing up in one of the roughest sections of New York City, Franly saw too many of his peers fail—succumbing to the pressures and temptations of the neighborhood. The only thing that kept him sane amid the chaos was focusing on his education. "I began to dedicate the most time possible to my studies and found myself building strong relationships with my teachers. School always remained my number one priority."

Even when he was forced to get a job in high school to help his family and his grades suffered as a result, Franly rededicated himself to his academics. "I knew I had to pick up the slack, and I did everything possible to do so. This dedication helped me understand the value of money and of an education."

When Franly arrived at Oneonta, he quickly knew his academic future. "I became engrossed with psychology and knew I wanted to work as a child psychologist in an urban area helping kids who grew up facing some of the same struggles I did and lead them to a solid path."

Franly received the Alumni Association Scholarship based on his academic achievement and financial need. "Receiving this scholarship further motivated me to continue to put my all into my studies, and it also provided me financial compensation for my hard work. I thank everyone who helps make scholarships like mine possible. You are doing a great thing."