The Path to Columbia University

Welcome all families and guests to our Bridgewater closing ceremony of session one. My name is Angelo Gonzalez and I am fifteen years old, also I was born and raised in New Bedford. I first found out about the Bridgewater program by one of my favorite teachers from Roosevelt Middle School, Ms. Cusick. Once the program began I quickly realized that I relied on my mom more than anything in the world. The first night I remember thinking I would do anything to be at my home with my mom. I’m not going to lie, I wanted to go home at first. Then I met some extraordinary adults like Ms. Jill, Mr. Conrad, and the man I can go to for anything and someone I see as a close friend, Mr. Chris. They persuaded me to stay and prove to myself I’m able to accomplish my goals.  My biggest goal entering the Bridgewater program last summer was to become more independent.  By the end of the session I had learned how to build relationships and trust with the program assistants, Mr. Conrad and my peers, as well as living away from my family for two weeks. I had completed my goal of becoming more independent, but little did I know my real goal was just about to begin. I remember telling Mr. Conrad that I wanted to dress in suit and ties like him when I am older.  He told me “Angelo that’s great but you need to make sure that you have the right job for it.” I don’t understand why, but for some reason this line stood in my head for weeks. I then started to wonder what job I would have in the future

I did some research and found out that I am extremely interested in attending Columbia University in New York for business and marketing. I thought to myself that I am not good enough to go to an Ivy League school. During the school year when the Bridgewater program would meet I would tell the program assistants about my new goal and they helped me so much with their advice and tips on how to one day get there. They supported me throughout my freshmen year of high school by checking up on me and e mailing me about my school work. I can honestly say that if it was not for the Bridgewater program I would have not been as successful as I am now in my first year of high school. In the city of New Bedford only 50% of students graduate from high school. I can guarantee that this program will bring those percentages up because it opens your eyes to the fact that the world is bigger than just New Bedford and you can accomplish things you never thought possible. I feel thanks to the bridge water program.  It has taught me that I am good enough and so is every other child from the bridge water program to attend any college, play any sport or join any club if you just put your mind to it. Thanks to the bridge water program and every single person that is involved with this program. I’m positive that I am now going to accomplish my goal of attending Columbia university thanks to the opportunities I have been given. I will never forget or trade this experience for anything else in the world. Someday I plan to give back to the very community that has given me so much. As one of my favorite PA’s Ishmael would say “keep your eyes on the prize and hope conquers all evil”. Thank you for listening good luck to all my fellow bridge partners!

~Angelo G
New Bedford High School Class of 2016
Columbia Universtiy Class of 2020