Share the Dream: My Life, My Focus, My Goal Share the Dream: My Life, My Focus, My Goal: Reyes, Jonathan

Talent Merit Scholarship Recipient

My name is Jonathan Reyes, I am 18 years old, and I am Latino. I am currently part of the program called College Now at Umass Dartmouth, and I am majoring in Civil Engineering. Let me tell you a little about my background and where I come from. I was born in Boston in 2006 and lived there for a few years before moving to Fall River. I live with my mom and two younger sisters. I started attending school in Fall River, where I went to Doran Middle School, Kuss Middle School, and Durfee High School, from which I graduated and earned my diploma. During my time at Durfee, I took approximately eight AP classes, which are college-level courses. My time in AP classes has helped me understand which schools might be a good fit for me and how to apply to them. I also received assistance with scholarships and other resources to support my education.

Now, I will tell you why I chose to enroll at UMass Dartmouth to pursue my degree in Civil Engineering. They offered me many options to support me in obtaining my Master's degree and pursuing my major. Another reason I chose UMass Dartmouth is because of the College Now program, which helps me with my classes and provides support to help me succeed. Some of my goals are to finish college and earn the highest degree like a Masters in my major.

One way I will utilize my education to give back to the community is by actively contributing to the improvement of our city's infrastructure. I would particularly help to repair and maintain the city's roads. Many streets are in disrepair, filled with potholes and uneven surfaces that not only cause damage to people's vehicles but also pose safety risks to pedestrians and drivers as well. By working to address these issues, I hope to enhance the safety, accessibility, and overall quality of life for residents. Additionally, I am committed to supporting efforts to build more affordable and sustainable housing for those in need. Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to call home, and through my education and skills, I aim to contribute to initiatives that provide housing solutions for the homeless and low-income families. Ultimately, I want to use my knowledge and abilities to create a stronger, healthier, and more equitable community where all residents can thrive.