Rosa has always known what she wanted: to build a successful future, help her family, and make a difference in the lives of others. Throughout high school, she stayed focused on those goals, making decisions that would help her get there faster.

Long before Rosa became a Meadowbrook student, she already knew CIS-C Site Coordinator Carlos Marti. As a student at Falling Creek Middle School, she played soccer for him, creating a relationship that would continue to grow throughout high school.

When Rosa arrived at Meadowbrook, she initially struggled with attendance and found herself skipping classes while spending time with peers who were not focused on their education. Carlos and former Site Coordinator Ali Sills both worked with her, encouraging her to stay engaged and helping her recognize the importance of her long-term goals.

As Rosa became more focused on her future, she made a conscious decision to surround herself with people who shared her commitment to success.

One goal quickly rose to the top of her list: graduating early.

Rosa wanted to begin college sooner so she could start working toward her career goals as quickly as possible. Carlos helped her map out a plan, making sure she earned every credit she needed while taking on an ambitious academic schedule that included additional English, government, and history coursework, along with online night school classes.

Throughout the process, Carlos regularly checked her grades, monitored her progress, and helped her stay on track with assignments.

“She was easy, because she was committed,” Carlos said.

Rosa’s determination paid off. In addition to graduating early, she earned her driver’s license, purchased her own car, was accepted to Richard Bland College, and received the CIS-C Dr. Billy Cannady Scholarship in recognition of her hard work and achievements.

Beyond helping her achieve academic goals, Carlos became a trusted mentor.

“He helped me out a lot,” Rosa said. “I could talk to him and he would give me advice.”

Whether discussing school, relationships, or family, Rosa knew she had someone she could turn to for guidance and support.

As her confidence grew, so did her willingness to give back. During her senior year, Rosa represented Meadowbrook by speaking on a CIS-C bus tour, participating in a senior shadow experience where she shadowed Carlos and learned more about the work he does as a Site Coordinator, and sharing her story with ninth-grade students.

Carlos believes those experiences reflect exactly who Rosa has become.

“She embodies what we do at CIS. I’m very proud of her.”

This fall, Rosa will attend Richard Bland College, where she plans to study pre-law before transferring to the University of Virginia for law school.

Her long-term goal is deeply personal: becoming an immigration lawyer who can advocate for and support immigrant communities. She also hopes to help her parents, give back to those who have supported her, and one day start a landscaping business with her father.

For Rosa, graduating early was never simply about finishing high school ahead of schedule. It was about taking ownership of her future and creating opportunities for herself and her family. As she begins the next chapter of her journey, she does so with the same determination that helped her reach this milestone—and with a clear vision of where she wants to go next.

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