María grew up in Venezuela, where political and economic instability made everyday life increasingly difficult. In search of a better future, she made the courageous decision to leave her home and family behind to start over in the United States. The transition was far from easy—María faced language barriers, cultural adjustments, and the challenge of navigating a new education system. But she remained determined to build a new life through education.
In 2023, María enrolled in the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program at El Centro, where she not only improved her English but also discovered a passion for technology. Her curiosity led her to take foundational academic courses, which laid the groundwork for her next big step. In September 2024, María began pursuing an Associate of Science in Cybersecurity at the Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology. She quickly found that cybersecurity was the perfect match for her passion for problem solving and her commitment to creating a safer digital world.
Today, María is thriving in her program and is committed to building a career in cybersecurity. Her journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of education. She hopes her story inspires other immigrants and adult learners to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. With the support of the First Literacy Scholarship, María is one step closer to earning her bachelor’s degree and making a meaningful impact in her community.