SEVDORA: The Power of Integrity.
The College Match Podcast
“YOU HAVE TO VALUE INTEGRITY. IT’S LIKE DOING THE RIGHT THING WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING.” Get your tissues ready! Meet Sevdora, a young woman from Uzbekistan. When she was almost 5 years old, her mom moved to America to achieve the “American Dream” and ultimately to establish a life that would allow her to one day bring Sevdora legally. It took 7 years and it didn't take long for Sevdora to become fluent in English and excel academically, overcoming many obstacles along the way.
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HARLEY FRANKEL: The Story Behind College Match and our Inspirational Founder
The College Match Podcast
For the Season 2 Launch, Harley Frankel, Founder of College Match Los Angeles shares his powerful story and his inspiration behind the program has changed thousands of students’ lives.
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EDDY: The Importance of Self Advocacy and Financial Planning
The College Match Podcast
“SCHOOL HAS REALLY ELEVATED WHO I AM.” Meet Eddy. When he entered high school, he was told that he was not placed in AP or Honors courses because when he was younger, he did not “test” into gifted classes. He dedicated his high school career to changing that. Since then, he has passed 11 College Classes, earned a 4.0 GPA, and plays Varsity Football. He’s most proud of starting the Business Club that teaches his peers financial planning. His self advocacy as a young male of color will surely inspir
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*ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT* - ESMERALDA: Yale Class of 2020 and Chemical Engineer
The College Match Podcast
“MY DREAM IS TO WORK AT BOEING AND GIVE BACK TO MY COMMUNITY THROUGH MY JOB.” Meet Esmeralda, one incredibly resilient young woman who was the only Latina Chemical Engineer in her graduating class at Yale University. She was also one of a few women in the program altogether. She shares her college application story and the factors that made her choose Yale from the many other colleges she was accepted to including 6 other Ivy League colleges. She has one powerful experience to share.
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AIRIN AND ABIGAIL: Mariposas in Action and The Period Poverty Project
The College Match Podcast
“DREAMS AND ACTION MUST BE WOVEN TOGETHER.” Meet Airin and Abby, two young leaders in Los Angeles who apart, have their own unique talents and interests, but together, are a powerful duo that radiates with hope and positivity. They have joined forces during high school to create two impactful programs called Mariposas in Action and The Period Poverty Project.
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BLANCA: Lessons From a Young Entrepreneur and The Student Wellness Campaign
The College Match Podcast
“WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER.” Meet Blanca, a young entrepreneur from Lawndale California. Blanca is determined to be the best first in her family to attend college where she plans on exploring majors in either psychology or biology (with the hopes of a pre-med track). Blanca truly believes in the power of voice and her core values are centered around wellness, mindfulness and writing. There is no doubt she will make a lasting impact on her college next year!
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MARTYN: Lessons From a Young Gardener and The Power of Networking
The College Match Podcast
“BIG CHANGE HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE BIG STEPS.” Meet Martyn, a young student leader from Boyle Heights who is determined to attend a college that matches his drive for community change. Martyn grew up as his dad’s “right hand man,” traveling around Los Angeles as a hardworking gardener since he was 7 years old. He's an aspiring Engineer with tons of heart and his sense of adventure is contagious. He will surely inspire with his story.
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REYNA: Environmental Activism, Social Justice and Her Self Love Page
The College Match Podcast
“I AM MADE OF ALL THINGS THIS WORLD COULDN’T TAKE FROM ME.” Meet Reyna, a young environmental activist from South Central LA. She is determined to find a college that matches her passion for environmental sustainability and spreading self love. In her words, “When you’re experiencing sad moments, it’s ok to feel them. But it’s also important to leave space for that happiness.” This episode will surely leave you inspired to practice more self love and kindness.
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OSCAR: Hydrogen Powered Cars and the COVID-19 Relief Project
The College Match Podcast
“I WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD AS IT IS TODAY.” Meet Oscar, a change-maker inside the classroom and internationally! He’ll be applying to college next year and is determined to be the first in his family to earn a college degree. He's an inventor, world champion and started a COVID-19 Relief Project at his school! This episode will surely leave you feeling inspired and empowered to learn more about the future of Hydrogen Powered Cars!
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College Match Podcast Introduction
The College Match Podcast
Join me, Andrea Cova, one of the Counselors at College Match, on this journey as I conduct powerful interviews with some of LAs young future leaders, working towards positive change inside and outside of the classroom. You'll hear stories about impactful projects through innovation, student collaboration and advocacy. www.collegematchla.org
info_outline“YOU HAVE TO VALUE INTEGRITY. IT’S LIKE DOING THE RIGHT THING WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING.”
Get your tissues ready! Meet Sevdora, a young woman from Uzbekistan who moved to America when she was 12 years old. For most of her childhood, she lived with her grandparents and aunts in the countryside of Uzbekistan, traveling a total of 4 hours by bus with her cousin to school each day in the city.
When she was almost 5 years old, Sevdora’s mom moved to America to achieve the “American Dream” and ultimately to establish a life that would allow her to one day bring Sevdora. 7 years, and many obstacles later, her mom finally completed all the paperwork to bring Sevdora to America legally. After a long anticipated wait, Sevdora got on a plane for the first time, and began her journey to Los Angeles where her mom had started a whole new life.
In a few short years, Sevdora became fluent in English and excelled academically. She found her calling in Environmental Science and this year, despite the pandemic, led her Ocean Bowl team to a 3rd place win in the JPL Regional Competition! In addition to being the Team Captain, she has been really busy as a member of Bravo High School’s NErDy Club, the National Honors Society where she’s been volunteering at the LA Regional Food Bank and Excellibur, a student-made organization to close the gap in education and foster STEM interest. She is also a member of Bravo's Red Cross Club.
Sevdora was accepted to Dartmouth College through early decision and she will soon be joining the biggest College Match freshmen cohort this year. She was also recently notified of being selected to receive the 2021 PBWC Loren Mahon Book Scholarship Award and was invited to join the Professional Businesswomen of California’s 32nd annual conference in May.
We have no doubt that Sevdora will leave a lasting impression at Dartmouth and in her future career! **For a Video Version of Sevdora’s Podcast Interview, visit our College Match YouTube Page where you’ll be able to see a picture collage of Sevdora’s experiences and where you can also tune into our Virtual Graduation Ceremony that highlights where the rest of our College Match Class of 2021 are headed in the Fall.