Share the Dream: My Life, My Focus, My Goal Share the Dream: My Life, My Focus, My Goal: Carias, Jordi

Talent Merit Scholarship Recipient

Hello, my name is Jordi carias. I am currently a first-generation student at UMass Dartmouth. I am 18 years old, and both of my parents are from Guatemala and didn't receive the opportunity to go to college. Both of my parents stayed at a high school level of education and moved to the U.S when they were 18 to start working. I was born and raised in Massachusetts. Been here for 18 years, and I went to Lyndon Pilot Elementary and Lincoln Eliot Elementary. Then I attended Bigelow Middle School. I then went to Newton North High School for 2 years before transferring to Natick High School in 2023, my junior year. Since we were always moving, I have many friends from different areas. I love culture, especially mine, and have always been inclusive with whoever I am friends with; those connections are the most important, along with family.

I am proud to be a first-gen student and chose to go to college to give back for all the hard work my parents put in to get me here. I've played football since the second grade. Playing Division Three college football was something I never thought I'd be able to do. But playing football isnt the only reason I came to UMass Dartmouth. I chose to pursue my education and football career at this school because of its student body. The people and connections here are everything I thought they would be. The sense of security on the football team and confidence to communicate with my teachers is precisely why I chose UMD. The school's setup is nice. Classes aren't too far from the dorms, but still a little walk if you need. The dorms are nice, campus life is quiet, and if you look for it.

Lastly, my major is business, and the business program here is one of the best in the country. I want to show people that I can be a business graduate from UMass Dartmouth and pursue a successful career. I plan to become the owner of my own company and, someday, take over my father's company. With the skills and experience I will gain in the business field, I enjoy my time here, and the reasons listed above are why I chose UMass Dartmouth as my new home.