Back of The Yards HS Grad ‘Sets The Bar’ For Family

First generation college student, Marlen Gongora, will attend the University Wisconsin-Madison in the fall with the assistance of the Banner Program—a program designed to help low-income, non-resident students through a combination of grants, loans and work study for four years. The Back of the Yards HS graduating senior said she’s had a great four years and is most excited about the “freedom” and the “diversity” she’ll experience on campus.

“I’ll be the first out of everybody so I’m setting the bar [for my family],” she said. “I’ve never lived by myself either so it’s going to be an experience. But I’m also looking forward to meeting new people because my neighborhood is mostly Hispanic, so I want to branch out.”

Marlen plans to major in journalism and has dreams of becoming a broadcast reporter one day. Writing for the student paper and interning with a local newspaper has grown her interest in the industry, she said.

As a student, she also helped run her school’s social media accounts. Going to college will help her narrow down her path, she said.

“I’m hoping that in college I will find exactly what I want to do, but right now I’m mostly thinking about broadcast journalism,” she said.

Marlen, who was also a cheerleader all four years of high school, found time to give back. For example, during her freshman year, she participated in the VING Project, a giving movement that empowers teens to help others. Teens can directly give someone $1,000 who’s in need. Her campaign was selected and she chose to help her neighbor who was in danger of losing her home.

Overall, high school has been a great experience that went by “too fast.” Marlen said she’s learned a lot and has advice for incoming freshman.

“I would describe myself as a perfectionist and I always try to make everything as perfect as possible,” she said. “I stress too much. Throughout my high school experience, I’ve learned to calm down and enjoy the moment. My advice is to enjoy yourself. During these four years, you’ll either love it or hate it. Make sure you love it. High school really impacts you, so be wise in what you do and who you hang out with. Focus, but also have fun.”

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