Addison Trail alumni speak with Blazers Edge students

On March 4, Addison Trail alumni Aryana Carreras (class of 2018, pictured above – second from right in the third row from the top) and Brian Reyes (class of 2019, pictured above – at left in the fourth row from the top) spoke with students about the college experience and process. They discussed financial aid, challenges, successes, what it’s like to be a first-generation college student and what’s involved with post-secondary classes.

Because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Carreras and Reyes met online with students who are part of Addison Trail’s Blazers Edge program, which is available by invitation to students who meet certain criteria such as being the first in their family to attend college. Through that program, participants hear guest speakers, attend college visits, receive assistance with college applications and requesting financial aid and more. The goal is to encourage those students to explore four-year post-secondary institutions.

Carreras and Reyes attend DePaul University and are majoring in business. Carreras joined the Zoom call from Costa Rica, where she is completing a four-week study abroad course. She is teaching English to elementary-school students in the morning and taking classes through DePaul University in the afternoon.