For me, being raised in Atlantic City was a major opportunity. My parents came to Atlantic City from Mexico. They each left their hometowns at 18 years old to live the American Dream. They sacrificed their comfort and happiness to provide us a better future. Although many people yearn for their “college experience,” I could only think about how unprepared I was for this change. I was fearful when I was starting college, but when I stepped onto Stockton University’s campus, I felt satisfied to be minutes away from home while also feeling I could be self-sufficient. Although it is an ambitious goal, I hope to one day occupy the role of persuading Atlantic City residents to want change. As a community, we need to envision a rebirth for Atlantic City. I hope I am there to witness and be a part of the change.

I plan on becoming an alternate route teacher, but I believe I can make an impact on society outside of the classroom, especially with a math and economics degree. I also believe that if time is dedicated, Atlantic City can once again be held in the same high regard as it once was. Atlantic City has some issues, but nothing that can’t be fixed with time and effort. My parents heavily contributed their time to better Atlantic City and its surrounding areas, and it is simply my turn to do the same. My parent’s dedication to Atlantic City is one of the reasons I am the sole leader of a project which would bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to the Atlantic City area. I believe books are an important aspect of a child’s life and help children learn and grow, which is why over winter break I also wrote and illustrated a children’s book that is to be published on my new website. If I want to better my surroundings, I need to implement a change, and that’s what I hope to do.

Standing up for someone is not the easiest thing to do. However, after hearing about the unfortunate events and the treatment of immigrants in America, I made it my mission to protect my community. I am going to spread awareness while protecting immigrants from being taken advantage of by low wages, discrimination, and countless things. To be the voice of those who don’t have the power to do so is my way to give back to my community. I care about Atlantic City because it provided me with ambition, grit, and awareness. Even though I didn’t have a white-picket fence house, I still learned the essence of being loved by the city. I care about Atlantic City because it provided me with ambition, grit, and awareness. My role in the city’s future is to prove others wrong of their stereotypes by being the exception. I’ll always proudly explain that my success was not from my hard work, but from the place that I grew up; that is Atlantic City.

I knew that Stockton would be a safe space to me, despite being unsure of my choice of major. I felt certain that I could explore all my interests there. I grew determined to not allow my hardships to get in the way of being successful, and I prospered. Despite any adversities that life threw at me, I completed my first semester of college with a perfect 4.0 GPA. My first semester at Stockton was not easy, but I persevered and have since then continued to. I chose to attend the university seeking out a familiar environment that would provide me with peace of mind, and I received that plus more. I have transformed into a resilient young woman, determined to play any bad cards life has dealt me with wit, tenacity, and optimism.

Elena Gonzalez is an Atlantic City native and graduate of Atlantic City High School.  She aspires to become a teacher because she believes that teachers play one of the most formative roles in the lives of young people.

Teaching is about more than the subject matter; it is students learning respect--for themselves and for others. "I care about Atlantic City because I have lived here all my life," Elena wrote in her application essay.

"Atlantic City is a beautiful melting pot of people, all with their own unique cultures and perspectives. I have watched this combined group of people suffer tragic loss, but always recover and bounce back as a community. 

Steven Blythe comes from Ventnor, New Jersey, and graduated from Atlantic City High School.  He was drawn to Computer Science because it is versatile and dynamic, and enjoys both the applied and theoretical possibilities of the field.

Steven has sought to immerse himself in campus culture, joining a variety of student clubs and contributing to the planning of campus activities.  "I chose Stockton University because I wanted to immerse myself in the variety of cultures on campus," he writes. "I have already met many people with different backgrounds and perspectives." 

Bao Pham immigrated with his family to Atlantic City from Vietnam because his parents saw New Jersey as a place of opportunity.  He is interested in serving in law enforcement, either at the local or federal level, as he believes safeguarding communities not only makes them feel safe, but also helps them grow and become more prosperous

He is motivated by a strong sense of family.  "My parents gave everything they could for my sister and me to have better lives here and because of that I will never forget their hard work and determination.  Though their perseverance, we now have a place to call home." 

Loukaia Taylor is from Atlantic City, and chose Stockton University because, she notes, "it prides itself on its distinction." Loukaia is a Communications Studies major with an interest in Public Relations, who is interested in learning more about the interactions between community and government.

She has also become active in To.get.her, a club dedicated to strengthening the position of women of color on campus. "Atlantic City is central to who I am," she writes," I hope to be able to help my community one day, to pay back what it has done for me."