Yaniery Medina Morales, a first-generation college student from Encinitas, is beginning her freshman year with the support of a scholarship from the Coastal Encinitas Rotary Club.
Yaniery was identified through RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), a leadership program sponsored by Rotary, and through the AVID program at San Dieguito Academy. Both programs focus on preparing and encouraging students to pursue higher education, according to a news release.
“My parents and I still can’t believe how fortunate I am to have received the scholarship,” Yaniery said in the news release. “Thank you for making my dream accessible as a first-generation student.”
Yaniery has already moved into her campus dormitory and says she is adjusting well. “Yes, it’s such a lovely campus and my roommates are very kind,” she said.
Her first semester courses include RWS 100 Rhetoric Written Argument, CFD 135 Family Development Principles, PSY 101 Introductory Psychology, and SOC 101 Intro to Sociology. Yaniery also tested into an advanced Japanese class, which she will take in a future semester.
Marti Rosenberg, chairwoman of the Coastal Encinitas Rotary Club’s Youth Committee, said the scholarship reflects the club’s mission to invest in the next generation. “When you see a young person walk onto campus with the knowledge that their community believes in them, it’s incredibly powerful,” Rosenberg said in the news release.
Yaniery Medina Morales (center), who received the Coastal Encinitas Rotary Club scholarship, smiles with her new roommates, marking the start of a journey made possible by local community support.(Courtesy of Yaniery Medina Morales)