Eric

A 2016 West Ottawa High School alumnus, Eric attends Michigan State University where he is majoring in Social Work.
Eric’s parents had encouraged him to dream of a life that didn’t require the hard labor that their lives did. But it wasn’t until his sophomore year of high school that he began attending the Trio Upward Bound program and dreaming of attending college. He credits Upward Bound’s leaders with helping him believe that he was not alone, that if you just look around and reach out, there are others willing to motivate you to succeed.
Elizabeth Colburn, Director of the Trio Upward Bound program had this to say about Eric:
“Eric is motivated, has a strong work ethic and is dedicated to learning, always giving 110% to everything he does. He is passionate about finishing college one day and becoming a role model for other Hispanic students. Truth be told, Eric has already stepped into this role; as a senior he has been an excellent role model for the younger students in Upward Bound!”
In addition to the last-dollar H/Z Promise Scholarship, David earned the Foundation’s Latin American’s United for Progress Beal Family Scholarship.
What did receiving the H/Z Promise Scholarship mean to Eric?
“Your contributions and hard work for us will most certainly reflect on this community and possibly change the world! I would never have thought this possible for me coming from a disadvantaged background. This is truly a blessing!”
Eric’s advice to high school students:
“Stay motivated. And remember to enjoy the journey. Even hurdles and mistakes are taking you into the future.”
To learn more about the Holland/Zeeland Promise Scholarship, visit www.cfhz.org/hzpromise

