Angel

For Angel, a college education has always been a personal goal and a family milestone. As a first-generation college student, Angel dreamed of earning his degree to make his parents proud and set an example for his younger siblings. But when finances proved to be a barrier during his first semester at a university, he had to put his dream on hold.

When Angel moved from Houston to Chicago to be with his future wife, he never forgot his desire to return to school. He discovered Richard J. Daley College, his closest City College, and enrolled. From his first meeting with an advisor, Angel felt comfortable and reassured. Daley offered flexible class options, guidance for working students, and the support he needed to balance his responsibilities.

“As a first-generation student, who do you go to for help?” Angel asked. “Thankfully, my advisor at Daley really guided me and walked me through payment options, scholarships, the resources available on campus, and what classes to take.”

Angel is pursuing his associate degree in general studies and wants to transfer to UIC and earn a bachelor’s degree in finance. He’s currently working at a local bank as an assistant branch manager and hopes to join his company’s corporate program which will allow him to explore opportunities in commercial lending, wealth management, and more.

One of the biggest turning points in Angel’s journey was receiving a PepsiCo Foundation scholarship. Beyond financial support, the scholarship has provided mentoring, volunteer opportunities, and the confidence to keep moving toward his goals.

“When I got the acceptance email, it felt like a miracle,” Angel said. “I was struggling to pay for school. I had enough money left for about two more months of school. The scholarship came at exactly the right time. It lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.”

Angel sees the scholarship as more than just help with tuition—it’s an investment in his future and in his community. With the burden of financial stress eased, he has been able to focus on his classes and dedicate time to community service projects that promote financial literacy.

Looking ahead, Angel is excited about transferring and pursuing his career in finance, but he never forgets the support that helped him along the way.

“The PepsiCo Foundation has made it possible for me to keep going. I know where I’m headed, and this scholarship gave me the chance to get there. To the donors and the PepsiCo Foundation, from the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you.”