Going into his senior year of high school, Samuel Aguilera-Robledo is on the track team, plays the trombone in the band and was named to the National Honor Society. Despite his busy schedule, Samuel makes NCPA a priority because to him, NCPA is an investment of his time that is more than just the money for college. NCPA staff members have noticed that no matter how busy he is, Samuel always has time to help out those around him.
Samuel is a life-long outdoor enthusiast. Growing up, he loved Steve Irwin and shows like "Go, Diego, Go," and exploring nature. Because of this early interest, he plans to major in fisheries and wildlife in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Nebraska. It’s a perfect major for Samuel because he can’t imagine a career where he sits at a desk all day—he’d rather be outside.
Going to college is part of Samuel's plan for his life, but college didn’t always seem attainable. When he was seven, his dad was deported, and his mom was working two jobs just to try to keep their family afloat. Now that he has access to a college education, Samuel's mom couldn’t be more grateful for NCPA. She has seen the effect it has had on him and the motivation and passion it has given him. NCPA has allowed both Samuel and his mom to dream of a bright future for him.
While Samuel is grateful for the financial support of NCPA, other aspects of NCPA have impacted him just as much. To him, NCPA is worth the investment of his time because of the guidance and support he receives from NCPA.
During his junior year of high school, NCPA was an important resource for Samuel as he was beginning to think about college and needed advice about things like taking the ACT. More than anything though, NCPA has shown Samuel the value of relationships. He said that the most important thing NCPA has taught him by far is how important it is to have good people in his life.
