CSF Alumna Isabella Marte recently graduated from George Washington University with a degree in political communications. Isabella benefitted from a CSF scholarship during her elementary school years at Good Shepherd School in Upper Manhattan, and went on to graduate from St. Catharine Academy in the Bronx. Below are Isabella’s remarks as the featured alumni speaker at a CSF networking event during her sophomore year at GW.

I am really happy to have this opportunity to speak to you all on this occasion! My name is Isabella Marte. I am a student at the George Washington University and more importantly, a proud CSF alum.

I stand here before you today with a deep sense of gratitude reflecting on the profound impact that the Children’s Scholarship Fund has had on shaping my academic life.

For my family and me this scholarship was more than just financial support; it was an opportunity that allowed my single mother to place me in private education where individuals believed in me and understood the value and the importance of investing in the education of children like me. The CSF scholarship has granted me the opportunity to make valuable contributions to my community and to excel in my academic and professional pursuits, and excel I did.

After completing my primary school education at Good Shepherd School in Inwood, Manhattan, I went on to attend Saint Catherine’s Academy in the Bronx. It was here I was given the platform to leverage the knowledge acquired through this scholarship to make a tangible impact on my community.

Throughout my time in high school, I was a part of several initiatives such as the America Saves National Youth Council where I educated my fellow peers on the importance of savings and financial literacy. I also secured my first job as a Library Page for my local New York Public Library branch! Working at the library not only allowed me to contribute to my community, but also sparked a passion that would shape my future career choices in college. The library became my sanctuary of knowledge – a place where I discovered my love for information, research, and community engagement.

Now, I am an undergraduate student at the George Washington University majoring in Political Communications and Marketing where I have seized countless opportunities to gain practical experience in my field. This summer I had the opportunity to intern for my local council member, where I was able to deepen my interest in writing and communications in a real-world setting and form an increased understanding of the powerful role that effective communication plays in shaping policies and fostering community involvement.

Driven by my newfound skills from this experience, I pursued a competitive opportunity to become a writing consultant for my university. In this role, I am able to help my peers develop their writing abilities, offer guidance on the development of their ideas, and increase their confidence in their writing!

Beyond my academic pursuits, I have also taken on the role of a residential assistant at George Washington University. This position has allowed me to extend my love for fostering community beyond the classroom by creating a supportive and inclusive environment for my residents. It is a role that mirrors the sense of community and support I experienced during my time as a CSF Scholar and alum.

As I stand here today, I am a testament to the transformative power of education and the opportunities provided by the Children’s Scholarship Fund. The impact of this scholarship has not only shaped my academic success, but has also laid the groundwork of my meaningful and purposeful career. I am deeply grateful for the support that CSF has given me that has brought me to this moment and am excited for the journey that awaits me