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August Alumni Update
Alumni Highlights
LP shines this month’s Alumni Spotlight on Priyanka Sharma, Alumna of High Point High School in Prince George’s County, MD.
Priyanka graduated from Montgomery College with an associate degree in business administration in 2018 and graduated from the University of Maryland Global Campus with her bachelor’s degree in business & management in 2021. She is currently working as a Visa Submission Officer and owns a small jewelry business calledViyanka Jewelsselling Indian jewelry.
We spoke to Priyanka about her journey and here is what she had to say:
“In 2010, I moved from India to the United States when I was fifteen years old. My father worked for the U.S. Embassy in India and after completing 20 years of service we were given the opportunity to emigrate to the U.S. The biggest issue I faced when I arrived, as an older teen, was the language, culture, and the ins and outs of this new beginning which I am sure most of the alumni readers can closely relate to.
I remember learning English in school back in India, but it was not conversational English. Tired of feeling disconnected, I decided to join clubs in the hope of improving my English. I joined LP and immediately, I felt like it was a safe, positive environment where we could speak English without judgment or fear of being bullied. I remember whatever level of English we knew we felt comfortable speaking. Pam, our program officer, did a great job of gently pushing us out of our comfort zone with a variety of activities. In fact, the most meaningful experience during my time at LP was in 2012 before the election, when we had the opportunity to go to Annapolis, MD to help promote the Dream Act proposal by calling people and encouraging them to vote. I achieved new strengths, such as public speaking, among the many opportunities that Liberty’s Promise opened up for me.
My favorite part of LP was meeting new people and the field trips. I made many connections with so many people, which helped me in both my educational and professional career. The field trips helped me explore my new community since my parents could not take me because of work.
The advice I would like to provide for the younger alumni is never give up on your dreams. If you put your mind to achieving something, then no one can stop you from achieving your goals and ambitions. Yes, sometimes it will take you longer to achieve your dreams but as long as you are pursuing it and never give up that is what matters. For example, I was placed in remedial classes at Montgomery College and it felt like I wasted 3 years, but I reminded myself that it did not matter how long I took I would continue until I achieve my goal of earning a bachelor's, which I did this year!”
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Want us to feature you? Clickhereto what you are up to since you graduated from high school or emailYuri Martinez.
Opportunities and Events
Are you a recent high school grad, GED recipient, or current community college student? You may be eligible for a New Futures Scholarship. New Futures propels underserved young people through certifications and community college degrees and into rewarding careers across the Washington, DC region.
If you meet all the eligibility requirements, please self-nominate by filling out this google form.
The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, September 1st.
Priyankais also a New Futures Scholar. Here is what she had to say about her experience with New Futures.
“New Futures is different from any other scholarship opportunity. In addition to helping me pay my college tuition at Montgomery College and find additional scholarships, New Futures taught me new study skills, and supported my transfer to the University of Maryland Global Campus. I was also assigned a personal advisor, who basically held my hand during my time at Montgomery College and I would go to for anything! I remember they would come to visit me and the other New Futures Scholars at MC and connected with me regularly to ask about how classes were going. I don’t know of any other scholarship opportunity that goes that extra mile. Because of what I learned through New Futures, I have all the skills and confidence I need to do well in my current job.”
Employment
Liberty's Promise Program Officer
We're hiring! We are currently seeking 3 energetic and dedicated Program Officers to run after-school programs in Maryland in Baltimore County, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County.
Click to learn more about thePG, MoCo, andBaltimorepositions, and to apply - please emaila resume, cover letter, and three references.
Liberty's Promise Program Facilitator
Liberty's Promise seeks multiple energetic contracted program facilitators for our upcoming after-school programs of civic engagement throughout the DC Metro area this fall. Clickhereto learn more!
Looking for an easy way to support us just by going about your day?
You can now donate to Liberty’s Promise by rounding up to the nearest dollar. Turn your spare change into positive change by clicking below.
Become a Mentor
Are you an LP Alumni?
Do you have 3 years of work experience?
Join our mentorship program today and help give back to your fellow Alumni. Your experience and support as an LP Alumni will make a real impact across the LP Community.
