The Ambassadors Program is a dynamic, nation-wide community of
recognized Gates Scholars. The growing GMS network allows each Ambassador to
directly impact the pipe-line of academically rich and outstanding applicants and
scholars through outreach efforts
Meet February's Ambassador of the Month
Ekaxi Hernandez, Class of 2011
My first event as a GMS Ambassador was during my Thanksgiving break last year. I wanted to reach out to the eligible seniors whom I assumed did not know about the scholarship. I presented in a couple of senior classrooms and sparked interested in many students. They were really excited when I started telling them that the scholarship is not just about the money, but about a network of thousands of other Gates Scholars. Overall, they really enjoyed the presentation an am sure that many of them applied for the scholarship.
What do I like about being an Ambassador? I enjoy the reward I feel afterwards, knowing that I am taking action and creating greater awareness to other students who are discouraged to go to college because of all the obstacles that come their way. When I present, I can see that they become excited and realize that there are many opportunities for them. I also feel that by presenting myself as a Gates Scholar, it gives them more hope to see someone from their school, someone they were friends with or simply walk the halls with who earned this scholarship.
I always see many students who say that they can't go to the school of their dreams because of the money. I understand them because my family does not have the resources to pay for college; the prices can be very intimidating. My mentality was that there is no limit price for education. However, not many students share the same mentality so I feel frustrated. There is a lack of aspiration and a big sense of conformity that bothers me. That's why I feel so passionate about these topics and try to make the most of every opportunity I have to reach out to younger students. I feel the best way that we can better our communities is by motivating youth.
I feel honored to be the GMS Ambassador of the Month for February!
Ambassador of the Month is selected based on the contribution made through active participation as a GMS Ambassador. Please remember to submit your brief report about your outreach efforts under the events tab and you too could be featured as the Ambassador of the Month.
What do I like about being an Ambassador? I enjoy the reward I feel afterwards, knowing that I am taking action and creating greater awareness to other students who are discouraged to go to college because of all the obstacles that come their way. When I present, I can see that they become excited and realize that there are many opportunities for them. I also feel that by presenting myself as a Gates Scholar, it gives them more hope to see someone from their school, someone they were friends with or simply walk the halls with who earned this scholarship.
I always see many students who say that they can't go to the school of their dreams because of the money. I understand them because my family does not have the resources to pay for college; the prices can be very intimidating. My mentality was that there is no limit price for education. However, not many students share the same mentality so I feel frustrated. There is a lack of aspiration and a big sense of conformity that bothers me. That's why I feel so passionate about these topics and try to make the most of every opportunity I have to reach out to younger students. I feel the best way that we can better our communities is by motivating youth.
I feel honored to be the GMS Ambassador of the Month for February!
Ambassador of the Month is selected based on the contribution made through active participation as a GMS Ambassador. Please remember to submit your brief report about your outreach efforts under the events tab and you too could be featured as the Ambassador of the Month.
