Hewan: Navigating Her Challenging Senior Year with Success

Hewan is a senior this year and has worked hard to get herself ready to graduate and go to college.

Her family immigrated from Ethiopia, and upon coming to America, she experienced many personal struggles, particularly around navigating her senior year. 

Hewan and her family lacked English proficiency and knew little about the college application process, so she struggled to complete her schoolwork and college applications. Hewan knew she needed support, and thankfully she encountered her CIS Site Coordinator, Ms. Zoe. 

“I met Ms. Zoe this year when she came to my extension English class to tell us to stop by her office whenever we need help with homework, senior projects, essays, and college and scholarship applications... she assists us to meet every deadline on time,” said Hewan. 

Ms. Zoe supported Hewan with managing her schoolwork, researching colleges, and completing her Common Application. She also helped Hewan find an internship where she now works. 

“I am proud that I have learned so many things to get myself ready to graduate and go to college. I was not expecting that I would be writing essays by myself, I have seen some improvement whenever I write something new whether it is for college or classes.” 

Hewan has been accepted to multiple colleges. She is currently visiting various campuses to narrow down her choices and decide where to go. 

“I am glad that I did not just apply to one college and wait for it. I am happy that I tried it by applying even though I have heard people saying that some of the colleges I applied to are hard to get into. I am happy with the help I have been getting," said Hewan.