- Glow Scholar Year: 2009
- College: Notre Dame De Namur University
- Year in College: 1st Year
- Intended Major: Human Biology
- Date Posted: 2010-01-22
- Estimated Cost of College: $41000
- Funding Required By: 2010-01-30
“Being the first to attend college would mean so much to me because I would be setting an example for my younger siblings; if I did it, so can they. Beyond that, my academic success would motivate other students from my community. My actions show that students from a disadvantaged neighborhood like East Palo Alto have a future and are interested in education. For me, higher education would mean a better life and the ability to go back to help my community.”
Kiara has managed to completely turn her academic reputation around while playing on the East Palo Alto Academy's school's soccer team, and, in the process, set a great example for her teammates about how to manage academic and extracurricular responsibilities. Even more impressive is that Kiara has managed to accomplish all these things while taking on a part time job which takes up the majority of her weekend time. Kiara is interested in pursuing a career as an anesthesiologist or a social worker after college.
Kiara was awarded Star Student in Physics for dedication in class, and she excelled in the Aspen Youth Experience, recognized for outstanding accomplishments and achievement as a Peer Counselor. Girls For A Change acknowledged her as “an amazing and powerful young woman” for making extraordinary social change.