Single Mom, Top Student Too...

“Carmen” Bella Perez is raising her four children single-handedly. Founder and Executive Director Pam Shepherd says, “ I’m very fond of Carmen. She’s really smart, and I’m not surprised that her GPA was 3.8 out 4.0 for the semester.”

When asked whether Bridges had made a difference in her life, Carmen says, “Yes, Pam helped me with all the paperwork. I thought it would be harder to get into school than it was. It was a breeze.”

Carmen who is completing her basic courses at the University of New Mexico in Taos, plans to transfer to Northern New Mexico Community College in Española in order to complete her degree and become a Radiographer.

Federal Pell Grants have so far covered her schooling and she may qualify for future assistance through the New Mexico Health Professions Loan and Service Program.

Keep on the Positive Side: A Taos Success Story

Esther Armijo is raising her four sons and daughter single-handedly. Returning to college has changed things in her family. Now her son James has dinner ready when she gets home from driving the school bus, her second job, and updates her on everything that needs to be done, like helping his brother with his science project.

While her children have been supportive, Esther says other family members have not understood why she wants to return to school since she already has a good job as Volunteer Coordinator at the Community Against Violence or why she would be willing to leave her children at home. “You just have to keep on the positive side,” she says.

Her son James, age 16, is already earning college credits in woodworking although he is still in high school. “We didn’t even think about college,” says Esther, “when we were finishing high school.”

Esther is a student at the University of New Mexico in Taos and by the end of this semester will have successfully completed 61 credits hours. She’s happy with her progress.

When asked if Bridges helped her, she said, “Yes, yes! I don’t know if Pam spends as much time with everyone as she does with me, but she spends a lot of time with me. I have learned how to apply for scholarships and write essays. That’s something I never knew. I was scared. There was fear to do it. But Pam has given me support and encouragement. Now I feel confident about applying for scholarships.”

University student Esther Armijo and two of her sons.

Where Are They Now?
Updates on Just a Few of Bridges’ 450+ Clients
 

 

Jolene Schlosser, who recently completed her GED, is studying computer animation at the Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute. She is also working for the Student Activities Office, providing tours to potential students. The Bridges Project was thrilled to have Jolene as their tour guide during a recent visit to TVI!

 

Lucas Lopez is studying engineering at New Mexico State University.

 

 

Emily Reese  is a student at Pitzer College in California.

 

Amanda Bissell is a student at Colorado College.

Jason Romero is studying engineering at New Mexico State University.

 

Carla Martinez was added as a College Summit participant to fill a last-minute vacancy. She had dropped out of Taos High School, determined never to return. After College Summit she completed her GED and is planning to start college in January 2001.

 

Benito Quintana is attending New Mexico State University where he is studying engineering.

 

New Executive Director Ben Maddox helps student Angela Gonzales at College Summit 2001.

 

College Summit 2000

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email us at  info@bridgesproject.net
Bridges project for education
PO Box 308  Taos, NM 87571   505-758-5074

 

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