From achieving countless principal honor rolls in her academic career as a middle schooler, the transition to continuous excellence at Coral Gables Senior High is an endeavor to be congratulated. Making it her mission to accomplish her ultimate dream of receiving a full ride, senior Maria Rivero has made the ones around her proud by becoming the next Class of 2028 for the University of Chicago.
Coming across Questbridge through Gables’ College Assistant Advisor Mrs. Sanz, Rivero began researching the 50 universities partnered with the program. Ranking UChicago as one of her top dream schools due to its surrounding environments and seminars featured, she believes that students can delve deeper into topics, not just skimming the surface but digging deep and discovering the real root of the problems.
“I like that they have Socratic seminars. So it’s not just like a very basic discussion. They go into the foundation of everything that they discuss, which is something that attracted me about it since I tend to like going into the more philosophical side of things,” senior Rivero said.
Rivero, like all Questbridege applicants, went through an extensive application. Regarding this process, Rivero applied to universities such as Brown University, UChichago, Princeton, Colombia and Yale. When writing her first essay, she went in-depth into her experience of being a low-income student moving to New York and eventually returning to Miami, Fla. with a new outlook toward pursuing a degree.
Following up her second piece of writing, Rivero talked about her deep admiration for science by explaining how she researched a topic of selective amnesia based on a book called “Las Supervivientes” by Riley Sager. The rest of her application consisted of her hobbies such as philosophy, music and sewing.
“Because my parents didn’t get a chance at an education, they made sure to push me forward so I could accomplish my goals, but since we are a low-income background, that has also fueled my determination to get a good scholarship,” senior Rivero said.
Being a first-generation student in the U.S., her parents propelled Rivera to make sure she used the resources available to eventually lead the family forward. Stepping up into her role, Rivero keeps herself busy with a part-time job at Publix on the weekends. In school, she was the music director for the National Spanish Honor Society for a month before leaving for New York City, N.Y. in the middle of junior year, but returned to her duties as a senior. Being a music director, Rivero has organized performances such as the annual Hispanic Heritage Show and ensuring performers are in tune with their songs.
“I decided to apply as a music director since I enjoyed my experience in sharing my love for music with other members. In my interview with Mr. Sanchez [the NSHS Sponsor], we passionately talked about Hispanic music and sharing our culture through performance,” senior Rivero said.
As for college, Rivero is planning to major in Biological Sciences, because of her love of biology and curiosity to learn more. By indulging her sense of curiosity as questions are answered, Rivero finds the study she loves. While proving that tireless hours of effort are worth it with determination, Rivero has helped achieve her lifelong education dream due to the endless possibilities through Questbridge.
