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The DREAM Scholars program cultivates unique learning opportunities for community college students during Achieving the Dream’s annual conference. Selected from a competitive application process, Scholars are chosen from around the country to attend DREAM, learn from college leaders, and share their own experiences.
For many attendees, a highlight at DREAM is hearing the students tell their stories through poetry. DREAM Scholars take the main stage throughout the conference to read their “I Am” poems, works constructed to share their origins as well as their hopes for the future.
We are happy to share this year’s “I Am” videos from DREAM 2023.* Their stories are powerful reminders that while all students are unique — from their background to their career goals — community colleges can provide a space for each learner to take the next step forward.
* Two Scholars’ poems are not included in this post: Nikki Tam was unable to attend the conference and Sareya Taylor will be re-recording her poem in the fall.
Luis De Luna
MiraCosta College (CA)
Luis shared vignettes from his youth in San Diego, from the dance team to the detention room, where he would deliberately put himself in order to spend time with friends. He spoke of his parents’ resilience and determination and his own passion for chemistry and research — a passion that has been nurtured at MiraCosta College.
“I am from MiraCosta college, where I began to take form, where the tools that I was gifted were used to change my direction.”
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Eve Miclaus
Roane State Community College (TN)
Eve’s poem included an unflinching portrait of a difficult childhood in isolation, where her strict patriarchal upbringing shrunk her ideas for her own future. But she was determined to expand that vision, persevering through a difficult transition to public school. Now, she’s proud to attend a college where her opinion matters and is shaping a future of her own choosing.
“I am committed to changing my story, from one of pain and suffering to one of abundance and hope.”
—
Zachary Arreola
Gateway to College at Laney College (CA)
“I am from streets of intoxicatingly sublime chaos,” Zachary wrote in his poem. He spoke of the challenges he experienced in the foster system and his decision to become a professional skateboarder at age 12. Now he is on a “euphoric and daring journey” through the Gateway to College program and dreams of becoming a doctor to run a hospital for the underrepresented.
“Day in, day out, I ran toward my potential. It was within my grasp.”
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Vitória Nogueira
Housatonic Community College (CT)
Vitória celebrated her roots with a bilingual poem sharing details of her childhood in Brazil and recounted the struggles she experienced as an immigrant pursuing education in the U.S. Now with the “welcoming arms” and support of her college, Vitória is working toward a medical degree and plans to help young people experiencing mental health issues.
“I am from taking space at places that were not made for me. I am from being the author of the story they said could not have been written by me.”
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Tommy McCall
Tallahassee Community College (FL)
Tommy’s poem began with a loving portrait of his family — from the support of his mother who homeschooled him to his strong bond with his siblings. He also shared his journey with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, a condition that caused him to stutter, a trait by which many tried to define him. But his support system and passion for leadership eventually led him to become student body president at Tallahassee Community College.
“I have a passion to continue my education … and continue to lead and encourage others as I have been led and encouraged in my life.”
—
Tena Rynn Quackenbush
Western Technical College (WI)
Tena introduced herself first by her Deer Clan name, then her given name. She shared the story of her life, which includes the story of trauma, addiction, and recovery. Her poem took a journey from hopelessness to determination: Now studying to become a nurse, she leads a foundation that works to end the stigma of addiction and has her sights set on public office where she can make an even greater impact.
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