Sharon Wins a Scholarship to USC

As a sophomore in Belmont, MA, Sharon was interested in computers and technology.  She enjoyed a vibrant circle of friends, and she worked hard to do well in school.

Sharon worked with College Match to discover that she had a deeper interest in computers than she had originally thought, and we prompted her to join tech clubs and science fairs in her area.  We worked with her as she tried out for the Robotics Team at her school, and when the team asked her to be their leader in her junior year, we helped her to develop her natural leadership skills through her friendly nature and her work ethic.

Applying the wisdom she gained through mentorship with College Match, Sharon skillfully coached her team through the invention of a brand new robot prototype, which went on to win numerous prestigious science contests at the state, national and international levels.  Sharon was recognized in a national magazine celebrating youth in science, and she won the “Women in Sciences” award that year.

Working with College Match gave Sharon the confidence to translate a passing interest into a serious and successful passion.

Sharon was offered many opportunities, and she ultimately earned a prestigious scholarship to attend USC, where she has been flourishing and working with like-minded students to invent new and fascinating robotics technology.

Sharon’s Montesano Method Profile:

Sparks:  Love of computers, Commitment, Teamwork
Fire: Compassionate Leadership
Vision:  Leadership in Robotics
Brand:  Robotics Developer
Discovered Brand: Robotics Developer

Ali Finds Her Place in Philanthropy

Ali was a freshman from Santa Clara, CA, when she started working with College Match.  At such a young age, she had not yet discovered her potential talents, but she was deeply connected with her Romanian heritage.

Working with College Match, Ali found a volunteer opportunity to help in an orphanage in Bucharest.  This transformative experience helped her recognize her deep compassion and commitment to serve others.  Upon her return, she organized a formal non-profit group with her friends to raise awareness and demonstrate how financial aupport could have life-changing impact on the lives of these Romani children.

Ali gained the confidence and skills working with College Match to broaden her impact and host more fundraisers, developing her experience with management, organization and publicity, while bringing awareness to her community and raising over $20,000 to improve the living conditions of the children in need.

Ali was highly sought after as a college applicant, and ultimately chose to attend Carleton College in Minnesota where she is in pursuit of a degree in pre-medical studies that will further enable her to help deliver life-saving aid to children in Romania and all over the world.

Ali’s Montesano Method Profile:

Sparks:  Compassion, Love of People, Proud heritage
Fire:  Philanthropy & Entrepreneurship
Vision:  Bringing aid to suffering children of Romania
Brand:  NGO Founder

Peter Finds Ambition in Architecture

Peter found College Match during the summer of his sophomore year in Berkeley, CA.  His parents were quite anxious about his lack of focus at school, and he seemed personally listless, only wanting to draw and design models in his yard.  After an exchange of ideas, College Match helped Peter to see that there might be ways to incorporate his creativity in the service of others.

Peter’s father happened to know of an NGO that built homes in Guatemala, and with the right guidance and support from College Match and his family, Peter spent the following summer on a work visa in Guatemala, learning how  to design and build homes.

This amazing experience gave Peter the ambition to learn more about architecture.  Working with College Match he structured his junior year so he could how to create blueprints for houses.  The next summer, he was able to implement his designs to build homes for needy Guatemalans.

Peter discovered deep satisfaction and personal confidence, and College Match supported him to apply and win entrance into Washington University’s premier architectural program, where he has continued his passion for housing in impoverished communities, collaborating with some of the best minds in architecture.

Peter’s Montesano Method Profile:

Sparks:  Love of Art, Creative, Inspired
Fire:  Artistry as Service
Vision:  Build Creations that Change Lives
Brand:  Architect

George Finds His Message in the Music

George came to College Match as a junior in Sacramento, CA, with deep concern about what he could possibly offer a university that they would want. He hated competition, preferring to create and collaborate with others. He had no interest in sports or other competitive extra-curricular activities. His true passion was hip-hop music, and he had not had much support from his school or family to pursue his dream.

College Match encouraged George to find creative ways to develop his passion. While studying for the SAT exams with his friends, he noticed how they struggled to understand pre-Calculus concepts. College Match suggested he try to write about it, and with that boost of confidence, he wrote, recorded and produced hip-hop songs about the fundamentals of calculus, which his friends loved. He quickly gained recognition at his school, and he became an online sensation! His recordings are used in classrooms across the country.

George was able to use his creative mind to help his students and help himself to stand out in the sea of kids who struggle to find their voices. He went on to be attend University of California, Los Angeles, surrounded by talented men and women who share his passion for music and truth.

George’s Montesano Method Profile:

Sparks: Lyrical talent, Love of music
Fire: Creative Observation
Vision: Make Music Matter
Brand: Music Producer