Your 18th birthday is certainly a monumental one. You're officially an adult—able to vote, join the military, buy a lottery ticket, sign a contract, and much more. But for Stefany Morales, who's a member of our Paterson Youth Council, it will always be much more than that alone. For Stefany, it will also always be remembered as the day she found out she was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania as a member of their Class of 2026—with a scholarship no less!
Following a birthday dinner at home with her family, Stefany discreetly went into her room to check the status of her application—decisions were being announced right at 7:00 p.m., but she didn't think she was going to get in. Reflecting on that moment, she said, "Coming from Paterson, I really didn't think I'd get into one of the best schools in the country." Yet seconds later, she ran out of her room crying tears of joy and excitement! Soon Stefany, her parents, and her four brothers and sisters were hugging, crying, and celebrating her milestone accomplishment. Stefany's mother, who emigrated from Mexico when she was young, also reminded her children of the importance of hard work. Through happy tears she said, "This is why I always motivate you guys!"
Stefany, the oldest of five, is a true inspiration to her younger siblings. An International Baccalaureate student at International High School, Stefany is also a second-year member of our Paterson Youth Council (PYC) leadership development program. And she is no stranger to NJCDC; she also participated in one of our STEM programs as a middle school student and has been an active member of our Great Falls Teen Center and Great Falls Youth Center programs. Stefany credits NJCDC programming, especially the PYC, with helping her get to where she is today.
Stefany first learned of the PYC while attending the Youth Council's college fair at her high school a few years ago. While she was thrilled to be accepted into the program in summer 2020, she was also worried she'd miss out on the full experience, as many of the program's signature activities (such as the Ivy League Tour and trip to Washington, D.C.) have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, she shared that hasn't been the case at all. Stefany has found PYC's programming, including college-readiness workshops, mentorship panels, virtual forums on topics like COVID-19 and policing in America, and community service activities (including clean ups) riveting. In particular, she's enjoyed helping at our Holiday Gift & Toy Drive and Party. She said, "Christmas is my favorite holiday, and I love seeing our mayor dressed up as Santa and so involved in our community. I also love seeing the children smile when you give them their gifts! I want to work with kids one day as a pediatric dentist." On the PYC overall, Stefany said, "It's been a privilege just being in it. I don't think I would've been as involved in my community if I didn't join."
Stefany also counts PYC alumni as inspirations on her path to UPenn, where she plans to major in earth science with a concentration in environmental science. Over the last few years, she's seen PYC members get into some of our country's top schools, including Columbia, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, and even the University of Pennsylvania, and has been able to ask them for advice and guidance. In fact, when she starts UPenn this fall, she'll see friendly faces on campus in PYC alumnae Aamya Perez and Cindy Munoz. Hearing their stories has helped motivate Stefany to work hard to get into her dream school and reminded her that it was in fact possible.
NJCDC's Chief Program Officer David Gelman said, "We are incredibly proud of Stefany and so happy for her and her family. Even during a pandemic, she has established herself as a natural leader committed to Paterson, through virtual platforms and in-person community service. We can't wait to see what the future holds for Stefany!"