GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
Damon Dubose
Southern New Hampshire University Class of 2023
“The METCO College Scholarship Fund of Lexington helped me to continue my education with an open mind, knowing that I had financial support to help me along the way. ”
Throughout my four years at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), I majored in Entrepreneurship while double-minoring in Fashion Merchandising and Graphic Design. These interests kept me involved outside of the classroom as well.
At the end of my freshman year, I was named president of Style Club. I was able to transform a small group into a wide network for creatives to collaborate by my senior year. I was also given the opportunity through the Multicultural Student Union to run Men’s Group, which provided a space for conversation and growth.
Despite having a rich undergrad experience, my path to graduation didn’t go as smoothly as planned due to a miscommunication between the academic department and my advisor, which resulted in the necessity to take one additional course to satisfy a requirement. Although it was a frustrating experience, I passed the most difficult undergraduate test; I transitioned into my current job – which wasn’t easy – while I negotiated with SNHU management to complete the requirement through an inexpensive online option. Having solved this distraction, with diploma in hand, I am fully focused on my new role as a Headwear & Apparel Coordinator for the International Team at 47 Brand, where I can continue learning and exploring my passion for creativity and fashion.
My overall journey has been the result of dedication to my education, passion, and the everlasting support from my METCO family, and I am beyond grateful to be in the position to continue growing and learning from these experiences. Thank you to my METCO family and the people of the METCO College Scholarship Fund of Lexington. My time in METCO is something I carry with me and I will always remember the people who have helped me along the way.
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
Mariano Cuartas
Framingham State University Class of 2023
“The METCO College Scholarship Fund of Lexington assisted me financially throughout college and enabled me to pursue my college degree.
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The METCO College Scholarship Fund of Lexington provided some relief from the financial pressure college puts on students. After receiving each award, I was motivated to work part-time, and I was able to graduate debt-free from Framingham State University. It was a goal I did not think I could accomplish at first, but with the help of the award, my family, and my hard work, I completed my college degree in three and a half years debt-free, while also studying abroad for a semester.
With the boost provided by the scholarship awards, I felt the liberty to take the courses I believed best fit my routine and my career interests. I majored in Business Management, with a minor in Criminology.
In the spring semester of my sophomore year, I studied abroad in Florence, Italy, and met great people of diverse cultures. My experiences with the METCO program, and the years in the Lexington public school system, made it easier to communicate and make great connections during my semester in Florence.
Throughout my time at Framingham State University, and after the completion of my degree, a member of the METCO College Scholarship Fund of Lexington would always reach out to mentor me and provide help or advice if needed. I am now working at an investment group in the Boston area and plan to further my education in the near future. I am considering certificates and possibly a masters in business administration (MBA).
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
Sydney Weekes
Suffolk University Class of 2023
“The METCO College Scholarship Fund of Lexington has aided in bringing my education dreams to fruition.”
Since middle school, I have always been outspoken, and have unappologetically worked against injustices against me or my peers. With the initial idea of being a lawyer, I learned more about cosmopolitan history. My dream shifted into being a public figure or someone that could aid my community, which led to my undergraduate major at Suffolk University. I studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics as I thought that this was the perfect mix of disciplines in order to eventually go into law school or even public policy, and I do not regret this decision at all.
I worked most of my time whilst at Suffolk, so I did not have time to join E-boards for many clubs. I did partake in many of the Black Student Union and Caribbean Student Network events. I also started up a small business in February 2021 creating small batch and organic wellness products called Ara Collections. I spent a lot of my time doing schoolwork, starting up my business, and actually working, which kept me extremely busy.
I made many great connections in and outside of school, including Charles Yancey, former city councilor for Boston. He aided my spark to create unity amongst the Boston community, and overall sparked my drive again. Since graduating, I have taken a gap year to have some breathing room and apply to graduate programs. I have organized community networking events in the city, and am currently working towards more. I have also taken the time to refine and truly organize my small business, which I am extremely happy with. I plan to begin pursuing my masters in the fall of 2024, diving further into public policy or international affairs.
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
Sade Brooks
University of Massachusetts/Amherst Class of 2022
“The MCSFL relieved financial pressure so that I could concentrate on personal development.”
I am proud to be an alumna of the METCO program in Lexington and the recipient of four scholarships throughout my college career. In May of 2022, I graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a B.A. in Communication and minor in French and Francophone studies. I began learning French at Clarke Middle School, and I stuck with it for the next decade!
Throughout my college career I was a peer mentor, joined the Debate Society, completed two independent studies, wrote a familial educational history paper, became a Residential Assistant, served in the AmeriCorps, and much more. I’m so grateful for the people who have invested their time and energy in my future. My most important takeaway is that I not only use my advantages to propel myself upward, but also lift as I climb. Currently, I work for Turner Construction while pursuing a real estate license. However, at some point in the future I still wish to live and work abroad so that I can maintain French fluency.
Finally, I would like to give my sincere thanks to the black activist pioneer, Jean McGuire as the first black woman on the Boston School Committee and the METCO Founder. Thank you for your dedication, my prayers are with you, and I hope you continue to shine.
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
Jordan Pomales
Curry Collge Class of 2022
“I am incredibly grateful to the
MCSFL for supporting me throughout my journey.
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The scholarship award helped to make my ambition to pursue a college degree a reality. While interviewing for the scholarship, I discussed a career path in Criminal Justice, leading to a position as a police officer, while I also considered going into Education to become a therapist for students with learning disabilities. Because I wasn’t sure, I did not declare a major during my first year of college, and I took courses relevant to Criminal Justice and Education. When the year started, I also took a course that required me to work at the Curry College Radio station. From the moment I stepped into the station, I felt like I was home. I was enchanted working in radio, and by the end of my first year, I knew that I really wanted to pursue a career in radio or possibly television. With that being said, I declared myself a Communication major, with a Concentration in Radio.
During my time at Curry College, I made the Dean’s list during six of my semesters, taking my courses seriously. I wasn’t able to be a part of any clubs in college due to my time conflicting schedule with my job. But with the limited free time I did have, I helped out at WMLN, the Curry College radio station. I was a part of the Sports Department for all four years, commentating on sports games, doing weekly live sport reads on-air, and carrying out host/guest appearances on weekly sport shows. At the end of my junior year, I was named the Sports Director for the department, taking full responsibility for organizing the sports shows. During my senior year, I helped change the culture of the department, receiving praise from my students and colleagues. With the help of my advisor Professor Ken Carberry, who was also the boss of WMLN, I was able to get a job during my senior year working for WBZ News Radio, which I am currently working at now. I am incredibly grateful to the MCSFL for supporting me throughout my journey, and I am proud of how far I have gone.
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
Nathaniel Wisdom
University of Massachusetts/Lowell Class of 2022
“The Metco scholarship fund provided me with tools to help me advance my career in engineering. ”