Testimonials

Jeneane Wagner, 2011 Single Parent Scholarship Recipient
“I am grateful to have been chosen for the 2011 Single Parent Scholarship. I realize there are many single parents trying to achieve a college degree and finances can be a big obstacle. I feel extremely lucky to have been given this scholarship which will be helpful in reducing the cost of my college tuition. A degree from Mills College will open many doors and increase career opportunities so I can provide a better future for my son and I. Having organizations such as Capture the Dream make it possible for many single parents in college. Thank you for your support, generous gift and for choosing me for this scholarship.”

Vi Tran, 2011 Minorities in Leadership Recipient
“I am honored to be the recipient of the Capture the Dream: George Geng On Lee Scholarship. Thanks to their generous support I have lessened the burden for my hard-working, single mother. As a first year student at UC Berkeley studying Integrative Biology and Business Administration, I gratefully accept the honor as a means to hopefully advance my dreams of becoming a pediatrician. Because of Capture the Dream’s generosity, I am constantly motivated to work to the best of my abilities, serve others through my leadership skills, and grow within new communities. Thank you, Capture the Dream: George Geng On Lee Scholarship for encouraging me to do the best I can.”

Isis Castaneda, 2010 Single Parent Scholarship Recipient
My name is Isis Castaneda and I am an immigrant from El Salvador. I moved to the United States in 1978 as a young child with my parents, escaping from the Civil War. I returned to El Salvador in 1993 to explore my culture and to reconnect with my family. My daughter was born in El Salvador as a US citizen born abroad. In order to provide a better life for her and with the opportunities that are available in the United States, I returned as a single parent with a nine-month-old baby to Santa Barbara, California.

My career for the last thirteen years is primarily working with teenagers. I am committed to supporting, teaching, and guiding teens through the challenges they face. I have worked for the SB truancy program, as Ropes course facilitator, a Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coordinator and I am currently the Program Director for The Academy of Healing Arts for Teens. For sixteen years I have devoted my life to my daughter’s success so that her educational and career dreams come true. All thru these years I have been plugging away at completing my BA in Liberal Studies and currently I am in my last year at Antioch University of Santa Barbra.

I want to thank Capture the Dream, Inc Scholarship Committee for selecting me to be the 2010 Single Parent Award Recipient. I am very appreciative of the support that you are giving me. That morning I was praying for financial support so that I could buy my books for the new quarter and help pay for the tuition. My prayer was answered that night with your phone call. Thank you.

Adrienne Tran, 2010 Minorities in Leadership Recipient
“Thank you Capture the Dream for your generous scholarship to fund my college education! College as we all know is extremely expensive and I’ve been worrying for several months about how I am going to pay for my tuition and balance school and work at the same time. It is great to know that there are people and organizations out there that care and are working to help those students in need, and not only that, but continue communication with them and help them succeed through and after college at the same time. I am extremely grateful and feel blessed by such giving people.”

Trinity Bodine, 2009 Single Parent Scholarship Recipient
“I have been blessed by your generosity.  I thank you with all my heart for impacting my life, and taking a big load off of my shoulders financially.  I have dedicated my life to education – to provide for my children and to follow my dream.  You bring us hope and help us feel good about pressing on and keeping up the good work.  You have made me very happy.  Your donation has helped my family – by providing for me to further my education.  You are appreciated.  Bless your hearts.”

Monica Novoa, 2008 Single Parent Scholarship Recipient
“I want to thank you very much for choosing me as this year’s scholarship winner! This news couldn’t have come at a better time.  I am truly humbled and grateful for your decision.  As you know, a student’s college tuition is expensive but even more so when we have to provide for our children at the same time.  I am very excited and enthusiastic about this news.  This encourages me to keep going and to not lose faith in my dreams.  I know that with every penny I receive, my overall educational success will be met.  Financial stress is huge when you are a single parent and in college.  Achieving good grades, having a positive attitude, being consistent, and having faith in God and in those people he puts in my path is what will get me through these stressful times.  Both my son and I will benefit from your generous gift.”

Jordan Lee, 2008 Minorities in Leadership Scholarship Recipient
“Thank you for choosing me as the 2008 recipient for the George Geng On Lee Minorities in Leadership Scholarship.  Going to college has always been one of my greatest dreams.  I’ve worked my entire high school career so that one day I would be given this opportunity.  Your scholarship means so much to me for it will help me pay for the furthering of my education! It also means that you have faith in me.  Now that I am attending CSU Fresno and am away from my family, it’s great to know that there are people who care, who want me to succeed, and are cheering me along. Once again, THANK YOU! I’m honored that you have chosen me and I won’t let you down! Thank you for investing in my future.”