Ulyssa Bryan

Ulyssa BryanNew York University
Class of 2002
Sociology
Hometown: Mastic, NY

For me, the Higher Education Opportunity Program was a bridge between high school and the world of higher education. I am a first generation immigrant, and as such, I did not come to this country with much. Yet, I do have a family that has loved and nurtured me and encouraged me to always do my best. My family gave me the strength to get where I am today, but it was HEOP that gave me the chance to use the skills that my family instilled in me. Even though I am just one person going through the program, it has touched the lives of so many people in my family.

My mother always felt that all of her children could achieve great things, but she knew that without a proper education it would be impossible. We did not have the money to pay for my older brother and I to go to school at the same time. I thought for sure that I would have to enter the military in order to further my education. Luckily, my mother encouraged me to apply to NYU, and I was admitted through HEOP. HEOP has given me the support I needed when faced with the challenges of being away from my family, and tackling full-time course work.

I entered NYU through HEOP four years ago, and I have loved every minute of it. The summer program really helped to prepare me for college. Working in the HEOP office through the federally-funded work-study program has helped me pay some bills, while the scholarships, federal aid and HEOP funds helped me finance my education. I am able to get tutorial services when needed and this has always helped me feel secure academically.

The Higher Education Opportunity Program has been a vehicle for me to achieve my goals, as well as my mother’s dreams for me. I aspire to be admitted into law school. I have seen many students graduate and go on to work in television, law firms, hospitals, or on Wall Street. Many of them credit the program for their personal success — I know that I do. I only wish that this program could grow, and perhaps expand to more schools so that more students would gain the opportunity to achieve the high education they so richly deserve.