When I was eight, not knowing a single word of English, I immigrated to the United States from South Korea. In elementary school, I was always by myself because I couldn’t speak the language. In middle school, I was afraid to talk to my peers or teachers because all I got in return was people making fun of my accent. All I had during recess was my soccer ball.
These experiences motivated me to find something different in high school. A school where I can feel like I’m home. A place where I am known and accepted for who I am. A place I belong despite my differences.
Thankfully, I found Alliance Marc and Eva Stern Math and Science School (Alliance Stern MASS) after browsing different schools in Los Angeles through Google. At Alliance Stern MASS, I found a place where I am valued. It also became a place where I could put my perfected soccer skills to good use. Soccer not only allowed me to find my place among my peers, it also created a great school spirit. I went from a lone student to the goal-scoring player cheered by his classmates.
More importantly though, my Alliance high school is where I met many wonderful supporters who have positively influenced me academically. I still remember the moment when my sophomore counselor told me that I had the potential to go to a four-year university. At that time, I doubted the notion. My parents didn’t go to college, they don’t speak English, and I didn’t have any resources that would help me with the college application process. Fortunately, many people decided to help me.
As a first-generation college applicant who comes from a modest financial background, applying for and getting to college has not been easy. However, the support and love I received from various people helped me believe in myself. It was in fact what drove me to keep walking towards my goal.
My determination, accompanied by the support of Alliance, garnered incredible results. I am one of only a small number of non-athlete Harvard applicants to receive a “likely letter” in which I was offered admission one month earlier than others. I accepted that offer and will begin at Harvard College in the fall 2018 with a concentration in economics. I am humbled to say that I will be the first person from my family to attend college.
I am aware that Boston can be very brutal, especially during the winter, and I am so thankful that Alliance continues to support me even after high school graduation. As the recipient of the Alliance Gayle Miller, Leaders of Change Scholarship I will be able to pay for my winter clothing in addition to the many other expenses like airfare, books and living expenses. It will also help me pay for my summer work-study so that I can spend my summer interning at a non-profit in Boston that provides opportunities and resources to underprivileged students.
Thank you Alliance College-Ready Public Schools for seeing my potential and believing in me. My four years spent at Alliance Stern MASS transformed my life trajectory. I am keenly aware that my high school education is the foundation on which I can build on, starting with Harvard. I see all the opportunities now open to me—a life that my eight-year-old, non-English speaking self never thought possible.
Brian Seo
Alliance Stern MASS, Class of 2018
Harvard University, Class of 2022
Alliance Gayle Miller, Leaders of Change Scholarship Recipient 2017 Semper Fidelis All-American
This blog is a part of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools’ month long celebration of #CharterGrads.
