Project Highlight: Grethel Calero & “The Road to College: The Right High School”

First and foremost, Happy New Year everyone! I hope each and every one of you enjoyed time with your loved ones.
My name is Grethel Calero and I am a second year VISTA in New York City. For the last year and a half now, I have been working alongside Manhattan College on my VISTA project known as “The Road to College: The Right High School”. In this role, I aid underserved families and young 8th grade students understand the arduous process of applying to a High School in the city of New York. This process is often compared to the medical school application process because of how complicated it can be. It is my pleasure to ease the initial panic that surrounds many during it.  

​As a first-generation college student, I overcame several hurdles that I thought were impossible to conquer when it came to my education. I had no one to confide in or guide me through my undergraduate years, so I am proud to not just serve as a VISTA but most importantly serve beyond that and inspire youth to take advantage of all the opportunities presented to them.  This mindset has really excited youth to not just look forward to high school, but way beyond that-- which has most definitely made my VISTA project more rewarding. With all this being said, it is safe to say that I am passionate about 1. Serving and 2. Being a mentor for youth. 

​One of the many things I am incredibly proud of is how often I am emailed about my project and what we stand for. We have grown a lot since my 1st year as a VISTA and it seems to me that our commitment and dedication has reached many ears in the community I serve. This small milestone seemed impossible at first because of the lack of communication with the community we were trying to target. At first it seemed that many were simply not interested but with the help of my amazing supervisors and their own dedication to educate, I have been able to thrive in my VISTA project day in and day out.

To all my fellow VISTAs, thank you for your devoted commitment to serve others during these unprecedented times. As a year 2, many things have certainly changed, but without doubt we have all ROCKED it. Much love and appreciation.    

Favorite Vegetable Fun Fact:
If I had to pick a vegetable, it would probably be broccoli. I remember growing up and being afraid to eat broccoli because I thought that I was eating a tree and felt terrible. Eventually I got over that fear and came to try my first piece of broccoli at the age of 5 when I arrived in the United States. After this experience, broccoli was everything I asked for at the grocery store! ☺