MVP Scholarship Winners - Updates & Advice

Tiana Starks

Let me start off by saying that my first year of college was a roller coaster! Although there were trials and tribulations, I was able to end the school year the way that I wanted to. One thing that I am most proud of was being able to work with an organizations that I am a part of called IMANI Black Student Union to raise money for a high school senior in Hartford, CT. Gratefully, we exceeded our goal! I also began to teach how to use technology in a fun, but useful way at several elementary schools in Hartford. Overall, my first year of college was great. I was able to learn a lot about myself and figure out goals that I can accomplish during my sophomore year of college! Some advice that I will give to this year's MVPs is to stay as focused as possible, try to not be afraid to advocate for yourself, and network with other people. And although college will be fun, do not forget that you are there to be successful.

Nicholas Furlow

I want to thank CFM in a few words. Being that I am going into my sophomore year at the University of Connecticut, I have gotten first-hand experience of what it’s like in college. The ups and downs, stress of finals, and the social aspects. I was still successful in my endeavors, from being an RA this upcoming semester and maintaining a 3.0 GPA to being a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. I definitely owe CFM thanks in that you all made this experience easier with having the resources and technology to help in my classes, and not having to worry about spending outrageous amounts of money for equipment. And for advice for the new scholars, I would say always make connections with everyone you can in your first year, because you never know what they might do for you in years to come. There’s no such thing as a bad connection.