Although raised by parents who always enforced the importance of education, Eneida Vaquero did not seriously consider college a viable option growing up. She focused on maintaining her grades through middle school and high school, but college felt too far out of her reach financially.
“The older I got, the more aware I was about my surroundings,” Eneida said. “I began to realize that no matter how much my parents would like to help me go to college they really couldn’t help me financially because my dad was the only one working.”
When Eneida heard of the opportunity to apply for the Give Something Back scholarship, she was motivated to work hard in school to earn the opportunity for a better education and future.
“Now looking back, I think that receiving that scholarship at such a young age helped me stay on a clear path while in junior high and high school,” Eneida explained.
The staff at Give Something Back reassured Eneida that college was possible for her, shifting her focus from how to pay for school to thinking about what she wanted to study. An accounting major through her four years at Lewis University, Eneida interned with All-Tech Decorating beginning in February of 2016. She was offered a full-time position after graduation in May of 2017 and currently works for All-Tech in Romeoville, Illinois.
“Having my degree gives me the opportunity to choose my own path and work with who I want to work with and do what I like,” Eneida said. “With the training they are giving me [at All-Tech] and with the high hopes of the higher ups, my future looks bright at the company.”
Though she is not a Give Back Scholar or a college student anymore, Eneida has not forgotten how the organization has impacted her present life and prepared her for the future. When she is not working, Eneida mentors current Give Back scholars and has spoken at seminars to share her story and encourage parents to urge their children to apply for the scholarship.
“I feel like when giving back we must all start somewhere small and work our way up,” Eneida said. “Always take advantage of the opportunities given to you and never take anything for granted.”