04
October
2010
|
11:13 AM
America/Los_Angeles

Manny Calderon: A Scholarship Success Story

Manny Calderon: A Scholarship Success Story      A lot of doors have opened since Manny arrived at Cal State San Marcos to study finance. He says the many scholarships he has received have made it all possible. This year he is the recipient of numerous scholarships, including one from the Robert and Elisabeth Crouch Scholarship Fund. As a sophomore, Manny spent a semester abroad in South Korea - an experience that he describes as truly amazing. He also interned for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services in Washington D.C., and held internships at AIG in San Diego and Microsoft in Seattle. Over the summer he traveled to Santa Clara to intern at Intel's corporate headquarters.Given his academic success, it's hard to believe that there was a time for Manny when he didn't know if he would be able to attend college. As the first among his siblings to graduate high school and the first in his family to attend college, Manny has worked two jobs while taking a full course load at CSUSM. "Looking back at my freshmen year, I can clearly recall the feeling of doubt," said Manny. "I felt alone with no support from my family. When I was notified that I was the recipient of a scholarship, I couldn't believe it. The fact that someone believed in me and wanted to help me with my studies motivated me even more."Manny says that he's not waiting until after graduation to pay the generosity of donors forward. He does small things now to help others. "I enjoy mentoring others and sharing my knowledge on how to fill out college applications and obtain internships."After graduation this fall, Manny is looking forward to attending graduate school or finding a position in a company that will offer him a challenge and opportunity to make a difference. "All of this would not have been possible without scholarships. It's overwhelming - I have received so many blessings."