“Growing up, I always wanted to go to college because it is something that not a lot of people in the Philippines can do and I always valued education. I moved to Newberry when I was 10 years old. Transitioning from the Philippines to being in the States was difficult, but I was able to adapt. Neither one of my parents went to college, but they supported me and would tell me to keep going and not to give up. The people of the Philippines are grateful for everything we have, we focus on family. I wouldn’t be in college without my family’s support. They are the main reason I am here.
I first became aware of Santa Fe College during a field trip with the Preparing for Academic Student Success (PASS) program. After visiting I felt that as a small school SF would be a good transition from high school to college.
Thankfully, I received the SF Foundation scholarship. Without this scholarship I probably would of never would have attended college, it was a great relief, and I was blessed to get it for spring and fall. I was also able to help pay for college by applying to the student ambassador program, where I give tours to potential SF students and get involved with school events. When I joined the student ambassador program it gave me a responsibility that I look forward to doing. The relationships I’ve built with the people that I’ve met have made college more fun and interesting.
As a part of the SF Student Ambassador program, I was able to accompany an SF Achieve specialist at my high school, Newberry High School, where I assisted with various tasks. What I enjoyed the most during that visit was talking to students about college and sharing what I’ve learned throughout college. I hope the information I gave them will be useful and utilized. I wish I could of done more of this with other schools.
I’d like to run a business in the future but for now I am just focusing on the completion of my degree and looking forward to completing a bachelor’s degree. “
John Bescoro, current first-generation student – A.A. in Business
SF Foundation Scholarship recipient and SF Student Ambassador
To learn more about how to transition to college as a first-generation student visit www.sfcollege.edu/firstgen.