Next Gen College Scholar Ruth, now a first-year at Wellesley College (From the last Read & Reveal)
I joined the board of Next Generation Scholars (NGS) because I sincerely believed in the transformative power of education. Education has the ability to serve as a bridge to greater social and economic mobility. For first-generation students and their families, it is nothing short of life-changing—a belief rooted in my family’s history.
My family’s story illustrates the significance of education and community. My mother’s family emigrated from China to Hawaii in the 1890s to work on pineapple plantations. Despite their humble beginnings, they built a legacy of resilience and progress, including my mother becoming the first in her generation t attend a four-year college and graduate school. On my father’s side, education was also a deeply valued cornerstone. When they immigrated, they were already educated, which gave them an immediate advantage and enabled new opportunities for their immigrant family. Growing up in a multi-racial family, I saw firsthand how education can shape social and economic outcomes.
(Right My school picture from the 4th Grade)
This personal experience is why NGS’s mission resonates so deeply with me. Programs like NGS are essential to building legacies of opportunity, just as my family benefited from similar support in past generations.
The impact of NGS is undeniable.
With 95% of NGS students graduating from college within five years, the holistic approach works. NGS supports the student and the entire family, recognizing that education is a collective journey. Similarly, regardless of financial means, my grandparents prioritized education and left a legacy that continues to shape my life today.
At this last “Read and Reveal” event, I witnessed firsthand the awe-inspiring hard work and brilliance of students that resulted in their college acceptance letters. It was living proof that NGS’s work is not abstract; it is tangible and real.
This holiday season, I’m proud to give to NGS and to have my support doubled during Match Month, increasing the impact of my gift. I invite you to join me in lifting first-generation students and their families through the power of personalized education. Your support can help NGS continue its remarkable work and change lives for generations.
Together, we can ensure that every Next Gen student has the access and guidance to pursue and complete higher education while being supported with every step.
Warm Regards,
Pam Bonnie
NGS Board of Directors
