|
Ely Callejas
Foothill College, Paly Class of 2019
What is your major/what are you interested in studying?
I am an economics major, but I want to go into political economics specifically.
What is one of your favorite subjects/classes this term? Why?
I’ve enjoyed taking philosophy courses. This quarter I’m taking western philosophy and last quarter I took ethics. Both have been really interesting courses, looking at different philosophers' ideologies, how they've framed our society and continue to influence us today.
What has been the best part about going to college?
The freedom and opportunities I received in college were a refreshing and positive change after high school. Besides taking a few required courses, I’ve loved having the option to take any class so I can explore my interests.
Has RTE made a difference in your decision to pursue a college degree? If so, how?
I’ve always had plans to pursue a degree from a four-year institution. However, the support and other success stories from low-income and first-generation students sent out by RTE have been motivating and helpful to keep me actively working towards it. RTE has allowed me to keep my options open when it came to transferring. If certain schools don’t provide sufficient aid, the financial support from RTE is there to help me so I can choose the university that is best suited for me and I’m not limited by the financial aspect. RTE has been very supportive of my decision to go to community college first and then transfer. I was pretty unsure about attending Foothill at first but looking back, financial and emotionally, it was the best decision I could have made.
Did any adults help/support you in the process of getting to college? How?
My parents, of course, have always been supportive of my educational journey. While they weren’t able to help me in terms of academics, their support has been more than enough to keep me working to be the best I can be.
Do you have an idea of what you want to do after college?
I would like to work pushing for equitable economic development or looking at urban economics, the allocation of funds in urban cities towards resources that build communities stronger. I really just want to help people and give back. Social impact is my driving force and I’d love to build a career around that.
Foothill College, Paly Class of 2019
What is your major/what are you interested in studying?
I am an economics major, but I want to go into political economics specifically.
What is one of your favorite subjects/classes this term? Why?
I’ve enjoyed taking philosophy courses. This quarter I’m taking western philosophy and last quarter I took ethics. Both have been really interesting courses, looking at different philosophers' ideologies, how they've framed our society and continue to influence us today.
What has been the best part about going to college?
The freedom and opportunities I received in college were a refreshing and positive change after high school. Besides taking a few required courses, I’ve loved having the option to take any class so I can explore my interests.
Has RTE made a difference in your decision to pursue a college degree? If so, how?
I’ve always had plans to pursue a degree from a four-year institution. However, the support and other success stories from low-income and first-generation students sent out by RTE have been motivating and helpful to keep me actively working towards it. RTE has allowed me to keep my options open when it came to transferring. If certain schools don’t provide sufficient aid, the financial support from RTE is there to help me so I can choose the university that is best suited for me and I’m not limited by the financial aspect. RTE has been very supportive of my decision to go to community college first and then transfer. I was pretty unsure about attending Foothill at first but looking back, financial and emotionally, it was the best decision I could have made.
Did any adults help/support you in the process of getting to college? How?
My parents, of course, have always been supportive of my educational journey. While they weren’t able to help me in terms of academics, their support has been more than enough to keep me working to be the best I can be.
Do you have an idea of what you want to do after college?
I would like to work pushing for equitable economic development or looking at urban economics, the allocation of funds in urban cities towards resources that build communities stronger. I really just want to help people and give back. Social impact is my driving force and I’d love to build a career around that.