Growing up in Venezuela, Gabriel always knew he would use his talents to help his family one day. At 13, his father left a prominent role as an attorney to escape corruption, violence, and poverty. Their new life in America meant Gabriel witnessed his father working 12-hour shifts delivering pizzas and cleaning homes, devastated by the sacrifices his whole family encountered.

In school, he launched into a classroom and culture where his broken English created even more struggles, academically and socially. Frustrated at first, he refocused on his dream to uplift his family. Gabriel carried a dictionary, used translator tools, and asked for extra guidance from his teachers.

Amid the pandemic, Gabriel joined Path to College and began passionately speaking up and presenting ideas which improved his verbal skills and developed his talents as a leader. He finds ways to encourage others and lead service efforts during each enrichment opportunity, including attending Boy's State and joining the Bezos Scholars Program.

Gabriel continues to put his education first, knowing it is his best shot to rebuild the life his family once had. He shares:

"I know I would have made it to a local college on my own, but with Path to College's help, I am going to my dream school. One that those where I come from can only imagine going to."

With the help of our expert admissions coach, he received acceptance to Harvard University with a full-ride scholarship. We fearlessly clear the path for overlooked students to get into the best colleges. Let's do this good work together!