It’s my first day of classes for the Spring semester and I am so motivated! Every time I walk through the gates of this illustrious institution I think of YOU and how the CAAP organization has made this dream possible. I just wanted to share my gratitude and send you my warmest regard. Thank you for being a light in my life and my inspiration.
As a CAAP alumna, I can honestly say that this program changed my life. This organization is the true definition of Black excellence. As I participated in both PALS and the JR/SR workshop, I was able to both grow and better myself alongside my fellow scholars. CAAP helped me understand the importance of achieving higher education, specifically within the Black community.
I was given the opportunity to receive my undergraduate education at UC Berkeley, and I owe that opportunity to CAAP. I will be forever grateful to Ms. Ingrid and Mr. Moore for constantly challenging and supporting me as it allowed me to further realize that I am “an ebony jewel that is destined to shine and leave an indelible mark on this world.”
Coming into CAAP as a junior in high school, I didn’t know quite what to except. However, I can say now as an alumni that I’ve left the program with a new found sense of confidence, determination, and gratitude for the support I’ve received through the CAAP community. My transition to college was far from easy, and I’d often find myself questioning my abilities to succeed on my own. In those moments, I’d recall the preparation, training, and mentorship I’ve received through CAAP, and be immediately reminded to never minimize my greatness and impact as a black scholar of a rich African diaspora.
CAAP has helped me cultivate a priceless mentality of focus, tenacity, and determination. It was never a matter of finding my own potential, rather CAAP places you in situations to be pushed and challenged in order to grow in ways that will allow you to pursue any future endeavors of your liking. The greatest lesson I’ve cherished from CAAP is knowing that you never have to do it alone. CAAP is a lifelong community and teaches every single scholar to value their education, as well as the importance of giving back. There is no community quite like CAAP, because CAAP is more than a community – it’s a family.
I wrote this to to you to thank you for recommending this program to me and to also tell you about our first Lunch and Learn zoom meeting there today we learned about different programs UCI engineering has to offer also learning more about the study aboard program. Some other things we learned was about their different internships the have to offer at UCI and going more into depth about their Senior Design Projects the have to offer. There will be more zoom meeting like these in the future every Wednesday. Thank you for this opportunity.