Reflecting on my first semester at college I can say it was both challenging and transformative and I am proud to have finished with a strong academic result. Living on the FAU campus was a huge step toward independence for me, the connections and experiences I’ve gained are life changing. I’ve been blessed with amazing roommates who I now see as lifelong friends.

I am proud to be a 1st generation college student. In high school I was nervous because of not having help at home with my academic life and parents who did not finish their education. FAU has truly made me feel like I have a family here who will pave the way to helping me succeed. This opportunity was made possible by the AWE scholarship.

My wife and I were looking for a way to give back by sponsoring young people in a way that would change their lives. Doing that ourselves and finding worthy recipients was challenging so we looked for help from Florida’s Children First, an organization I helped found. They introduced us to AWE which does exactly what we wanted to do in an efficient and effective manner.

Since becoming donors we have been delighted to read the stories of the effect AWE has had on the lives of so many. It is an effective and efficient organization which deserves its excellent reputation.