Gateway to College Commencement 2021

Annick Uwineza

The Gateway staff would like to recognize an alumna who earned her Bachelor’s degree this year.

Hardworking and dedicated, Annick Uwineza enrolled in Gateway at the age of 18. She didn’t have any high school credits, so she was starting from scratch.

As a refugee, Annick has suffered tremendous struggles, but through it all she persevered and was able to complete her high school graduation requirements in four semesters, earning 39 college credits prior to graduating.  Annick transferred to STCC after obtaining her high school diploma through Gateway. She studied pre-med and later transferred to Lasell University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Individualized Community Health Promotion. 

We're extremely proud of Annick and look forward to celebrating her next accomplishment!

Hajiro Ali

The Gateway staff would additionally like to recognize several alumnae who earned an Associate degree this year.

Motivated, ambitious and goal-oriented, Hajiro Ali enrolled in Gateway so she could start college early and get a jumpstart on her career aspirations. Though she experienced some challenges, she didn’t give up! She persevered, sought tutoring, and managed to earn 21 college credits before graduating.

Hajiro transferred to STCC after obtaining her high school diploma through Gateway last year (2020). In this short period of time, she managed to complete the prerequisites for the nursing program, and earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts. She additionally received $17,000 in grants and scholarships, and is transferring to Elms College where she will be studying for her bachelor degree in Nursing.

We are extremely proud of Hajiro and wish her all the best in her endeavors.

MaHailey Butler

Resilient and determined, MaHailey Butler enrolled in the Gateway program after being disengaged from high school for a short period of time. She managed to turn what seemed like a hopeless situation around, obtained her high school diploma, and earned 16 college credits.

MaHailey is the ideal picture of perseverance. She exhibited great commitment and determination in spite of obstacles and various personal and medical challenges. However, she didn’t give up in the face of difficulty. She pushed through, and took advantage of the resources provided by STCC and the Gateway program.

After obtaining her high school diploma, MaHailey enrolled at STCC. She earned an associate degree in General Studies this year, and plans to move on to a four year college to study design.

We’re are so excited for MaHailey! It’s a pleasure watching her transform her life and create the future she desires for herself.

Hayleigh Rosa

Motivated and hardworking, Hayleigh Rosa got a head start on her degree as a Gateway student. Through the Gateway program, she completed all her developmental math and English classes while still in high school, and also took college-level courses, including some prerequisites and requirements for her major.

Hayleigh graduated from the Gateway program with a total of 20 college credits and enrolled at STCC. While at STCC, she further developed her leadership skills as a Student Ambassador and earned an associate degree in Biology. Hayleigh will be continuing her studies in Biology at Springfield College. She ultimately intends to go to medical school.

We are looking forward to hearing more about what the future holds for Hayleigh!

Congratulations to Annick, Hajiro, MaHailey, and Hayleigh on their accomplishments. We look forward to following their continued success!

Daniel Doby, Gateway's student speaker, appreciates the independence, flexibility, and responsibility he has experienced in the Gateway program, as well as the support and caring of the Gateway staff. 

He found that being a Gateway student taught him a lot about time management, tracking his work, and holding himself accountable - particularly because of the pandemic and the requirements of remote learning. 

Daniel will continue his studies at STCC as a Business major. He is graduating high school with 23 college credits and a jumpstart on his college degree! He has also taken and passed the real estate course.

Asia Amparo

Social Media: Aysia Desiree

Cash app: $cashmeoutsideasia

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Anita, Katara, and my Beba!

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: the freedom, and making my own schedule to work around my life.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: not having to sit in a high school class from 8:30-3:30 every single day! I took a couple classes a day, and usually I was home by 2:30pm every day!

After graduation: take a year off and travel, and then go back to a 4-year college to achieve my bachelors.

I’m most looking forward to: my bright future, although I’m not quite sure where I’m going yet. I know that whatever choice I make, I plan to do it with 100% effort!

Kaden Cash

Social Media: IG- Kasden.cash

Cash app: $ayocash65

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Anita, Katara, and my grandparents.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: the freedom. I liked how I was able to be independent as long as I followed the rules. I enjoyed not having anybody breathe down my neck. 

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: I liked the support I had. I didn’t have that at the other school. If I started to slack or felt stressed out, there was somebody I could talk to about it.

After graduation I plan to: I plan to start working full-time at Home Depot. 

I’m most looking forward to: Being able to choose my own future. 

Daniel Doby

Social Media: None

Cash app: $DanielD02

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: my mother, grandmother, Anita and Katara.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: I liked that I was able to learn at my own pace and that the environment was very welcoming.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: since I started during the pandemic, I never got to truly appreciate STCC as a whole, but I did appreciate how the professors are willing to work with the students.

After graduation: continue my education at STCC.

I’m most looking forward to: getting my degree and seeing what else is next.

Nathalie Clinton

Social Media: N/A

Cash app: $Nattdollax

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Katara and Anita

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: that they supported me a lot more than other schools that I was in and I felt comfortable.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: the college experience ahead of time.

After graduation I plan to: work

I’m most looking forward to: getting my diploma

Kayleen Gomez

Social Media: Facebook @ Kayleen Gomez

Cash app: $kayleendalyzmarr

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Anita Gallers and Katara.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: everyone is determined to elevate themselves and do what’s best for their future. And I got a lot of support overall and I never felt out of place.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: the campus experience, exploring the resources they have, the study areas etc. A lot of resources if you needed help. If you needed help, there was always a way for you to get help.

After graduation I plan to: take a phlebotomy course at STCC or EMT.

I’m most looking forward to: finally starting a new chapter and building up my future.

Samuel Gonzalez 

Social Media: N/A

Cash app: $teddy7807

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: my cousin Misa, my sister and my mother. My cousin literally forced me to apply and to keep going.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: it was super easy and smooth. I never felt rushed. There were deadlines, but I had time to make a plan and get the work done. I had time to process what I learned.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: the 78 cents coffee machine.

After graduation I plan to: join the military. I will be enlisting in the Marine Corps.

I’m most looking forward to: the experience of being a member of the Marine Corps.

Rashad Housey

Social Media: Facebook-Rashad Housey

Cash app: $IAMRASHADXX

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Katara and Anita.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: the aspect that it is on a college campus

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: the college environment.

After graduation I plan to: go to the Air Force.

I’m most looking forward to: enjoying being out of high school.

Sarah Jordan

Social Media: Facebook @sarah.baybeee

Cash app: $Sarah112103

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Anita, Katara and my family. 

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: the support team was amazing; also the free tutoring.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: of course graduating a year early! Also, the new people I met were great.

After graduation I plan to: go to college to become an RN.

Ariana LaSalle

Social Media: Instagram @ LittlikeeArii

Cash app: $ariiijadii

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: my girlfriend who motivated me to stay in school and my mother.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: being able to meet different people who were struggling with school as I was and the great people who helped me graduate. 

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: being able to experience college while getting my high school diploma.

After graduation: I plan to move forward and head to college and get my degree to become a WNBA Athletic Physician

I’m most looking forward to: June 16^th, crossing the stage and getting my diploma.

Alisha Marshall

Social Media: IG alishaxmarshall

Cash app: $lishaa419

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Myself, I pushed through and picked myself up even when I wanted to give up. Other than myself, it has to be my mom, Gloria, and my best friend Sashi.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: I liked the support and how they don’t give up on their students and it’s nothing but love. 

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: I love experiencing being on a college campus and doing a lot on our own.

After graduation: I plan to work in the criminal justice field.

I’m most looking forward to: starting my career

Abbigail (Iris) Martinez

Social Media: Instagram @ ayeeyobubbles

Cash app: $irismartinez17

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My father, partner, friends and grandmother.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: I liked the staff the most because they never gave up and were always supportive and understanding. 

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: I enjoyed the different events I was able to attend. I definitely like being able to interact more with others.

After graduation I plan to: Find myself!

I’m most looking forward to: Learning to be happy on my new path.

Natalia Ramos

Social Media: N/A

Cash app: $nataliaramosm

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Travis Reid, Anita and Katara. 

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: that it gives you another opportunity to make a completion.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: collecting college credits and getting to experience the whole atmosphere and environment of the college.

After graduation I plan to: Looking to speak with career and graduation coach to decide. Right now I’m trying to figure it out.

I’m most looking forward to: earning another certificate.

Francesca Rivera

Social Media: N/A

Cash app: None

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: my counselor.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: What I liked best about Gateway to College was…I feel like I learned better because when I was in regular high school, I didn’t get the type of learning that I got from Gateway.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: being able to take a theater class.

After graduation I plan to: work first and then go to cosmetology school.

I’m most looking forward to: don’t know the answers to that right now.

Zachary Stevens

Social Media: FB @ Zachary Stevens

Cash app: $Zachary Stevens

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: my family, friends and members of the Gateway program.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: how understanding and incredibly helpful everyone was through the whole process.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: probably the campus/”college” experience.

After graduation I plan to: , hopefully get my own company up and running.

I’m most looking forward to: finally finishing school and starting my career.

Elijah Alli

Nicholas Duffy

Pascual Rodriguez