What’s holding you back?

These college students worried something would hold them back, but they made it. See how.

Everything was in fine print.

Everything was in fine print.

Student: Ashlee
Year in college
Sophomore
Major
Art
Family income
$20,000–$40,000
Money is out there to help you—just look.

Money is out there to help you—just look.

Student: Jonard
Year in college
Junior
Major
Business economics
Family income
$20,000–$40,000
I stayed close to home so my parents could visit.

I stayed close to home so my parents could visit.

Student: Jonathan O.
Year in college
Junior
Major
Economics and political science
Family income
$20,000–$40,000
I was intimidated since I was undocumented.

I was intimidated since I was undocumented.

Student: Gabriela
Year in college
Junior
Major
Biochemistry
Family income
Under $20,000
I don’t really put myself out there a lot.

I don’t really put myself out there a lot.

Student: Rosanne
Year in college
Junior
Major
Biology/premedicine
Family income
$40,000–$60,000
I had to deal with a lot all at once.

I had to deal with a lot all at once.

Student: Mo’Nique
Year in college
Sophomore
Major
Premedicine
Family income
$20,000–$40,000
It was stressful but rewarding in the end.

It was stressful but rewarding in the end.

Student: Alexandra
Year in college
Senior
Major
Psychology
Family income
$40,000–$60,000
I wanted to be a teacher.

I wanted to be a teacher.

Student: Kriste
Year in college
Junior
Major
Early childhood education
Family income
$60,000–$80,000
I was a quiet freshman but now I'm outgoing.

I was a quiet freshman but now I'm outgoing.

Student: Charlinda
Year in college
Junior
Major
Sociology
Family income
Under $20,000
My father did not want to help me.

My father did not want to help me.

Student: Stephanie
Year in college
Junior
Major
Nutrition
Family income
$20,000–$40,000
I have a good chance of becoming more stable.

I have a good chance of becoming more stable.

Student: Jonathan W.
Year in college
Sophomore
Major
Air traffic control
Family income
$20,000–$40,000
I just assumed I wasn’t going to go.

I just assumed I wasn’t going to go.

Student: Imani
Year in college
Senior
Majors
African-American Studies and English
Family income
$20,000–$40,000
I’ve never met anybody who’s judged me.

I’ve never met anybody who’s judged me.

Student: Andrew
Year in college
Senior
Major
Anthropology
Family income
Over $80,000
I didn't know what I wanted to do.

I didn't know what I wanted to do.

Student: Elijah
Year in college
Sophomore
Major
Criminal justice
Family income
$20,000–$40,000
Leaving the reservation is a huge step.

Leaving the reservation is a huge step.

Student: Aaron
Year in college
Freshman
Major
Biochemistry
Family income
$50,000–$75,000
I went to school for practically nothing.

I went to school for practically nothing.

Student: Kwame
Year in college
Sophomore
Majors
Political science and prelaw
Favorite musician
Stevie Wonder
I wasn’t sure what to do.

I wasn’t sure what to do.

Student: Giovanni
Year in college
Freshman
Intended major
Psychology
Income
$10,000–$20,000
When I was a junior, I was expelled.

When I was a junior, I was expelled.

Student: Cesar
Year in college
Junior
Major
Finance
Current job
Owns a construction business
People are willing to help if you ask them.

People are willing to help if you ask them.

Student: Alex
Year in college
Senior
Majors
Accounting and finance
Family income
$20,000–$40,000
I’m proud to say that I’m doing very well.

I’m very proud to say that I’m doing very well.

Student: Annaesia
Year in college
Sophomore
Major
Accounting
Family income
$10,000–$20,000
It pretty much gave me a full ride.

It pretty much gave me a full ride.

Student: Adam
Year in college
Senior
Major
Aerospace engineering
Family income
$20,000–$40,000
It hits you at once.

It hits you at once.

Student: Brandon
Year in college
Junior
Major
Medical sociology
Family income
$60,000–$80,000