• "We All Have Obstacles"
• "Statistics say that black males have a lower college-success rate than other students - but I want to break the stereotypes and succeed. My goal is to serve our country through politics, and I need a college degree to do that. Although my mom cannot help me with college expenses, I qualify for financial aid so I won't use having a single-parent as an excuse to not attend school. We all have obstacles, but I know what I want and I am making it happen." --Michael, University of Nebraska at Omaha


• "Finding the Money"
• "All my friends were going to college and I dreamt of going, but I didn't think it was possible because of the cost. My grandma raised me and she wanted me to go to college, too. Together we found money in other places, like through scholarships available in my community. Now, I can fulfill my dreams of going to college (and my grandma's too)." --Lindsey, Hastings College


• "Get Involved Instead"
• "A lot of my friends were into alcohol and drugs but I got involved in sports like basketball, football and track instead. The role models I met through these sports made me want to excel in school so that I could succeed after high school. Now, I am going to college so I can move back to my community and be a role model for kids there." -- Eric, Midland Lutheran College


• "College is Possible"
• "I have reading and writing disabilities so school has always been difficult for me. I certainly didn't think I would ever go to college. My teachers and guidance counselors told me that it was possible and encouraged me to work hard to get to college. With their support, and my hard work, I have overcome many obstacles and I am succeeding at college." -- Christopher, Northeast Community College


• "Stay Focused"
• "Even though I worked during high school to help support my family, I also studied a lot and got involved in sports and other organizations. I had to stay focused on my goal of being the first in my family to go to college. I post my goals everywhere - in my room, at work, and in all of my school folders. I know seeing them everyday will help me achieve them"-- Lucas, University of Nebraska - Lincoln


• "Positive Influences"
• "I wouldn't be in college if it weren't for my role models. My foster mother and Teammates mentor helped me deal with the obstacles in my life and stay focused on my education. Now, I am going to school to become an elementary school teacher and am the first in my family to go to college. Without the mentors that positively influenced me, I don't know where I would be today." -- Katie, Chadron State College

Note: The names of these students were changed to protect their privacy.