“After seeing how much they cared, it helped me push forward,” said Adrian. “I wanted to show I could not only do it, but I did it for them.”

Earlier this spring, Adrian learned he has been accepted to begin college at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU) this fall. He plans to pursue a degree in computer science and engineering. For his freshman year, he will live on campus.



“I have always enjoyed researching technology. I would spend hours online afterschool learning more. My dream is to build a company to compete with Microsoft and Apple,” said Adrian. “I am thankful to my HOPE school counselor who worked with me on my application to CU. Without that help, I may have been going to a community college.”

Adrian is focused on doing well in college. His parents have always made education a priority for him as they never graduated from high school. Adrian will in fact be the first in his family to attend college. His brother, Jose, who had fallen into the wrong crowd before coming to HOPE, graduated from HOPE’s Awaken Academy in 2018.

“I’ve been to (the CU) campus and toured. I am excited,” said Adrian. He has received several scholarships and grants to make his college dreams a reality.

While in high school, Adrian was involved in many activities. He played sports, participated in the HOPE Art Show and ACE Challenge, as well as attended HOPEcomings and Proms. He really enjoyed the close friendships he built with his peers at Awaken Academy.

“The activities helped connect you to the school and build a (community) family base,” said Adrian.

Adrian finished up his high school coursework in December. Currently, he is working at McDonald’s. In his free time, he enjoys spending time at the gym. Adrian said he has found a lot of drive in himself to keep reaching for his dreams. But he knows HOPE was a critical milestone to help him take the next step in life.

“HOPE really works around your needs. They try to understand and provide encouragement,” said Adrian. “The first two years in high school are critical. There will be many outside pressures, but it is smart to work at school so you are never playing catch up.”

His achievements and acceptance into an elite Colorado university set him apart in the HOPE Class of 2019.

“Adrian does not let the limitations in his life hold him back from where he wants to go,” said Ms. Jessica Trujillo, HOPE at Awaken Academy Mentor.

“Watching Adrian grow throughout his time here at Awaken has been one of the most rewarding experiences. We see greatness in all of our students, and we are honored to have helped him reach a milestone on his journey. Adrian will continue to strive and achieve so much. Thank you, Adrian, for teaching us so much too. Love ya, kid,” said Ms. Erica Carrillo, HOPE at Awaken Academy Administrative Assistant.

“I am extremely proud of Adrian! His hard work, dedication and leadership will pave the way for a successful academic career in college,” said Ms. Christina Doyle, HOPE School Counselor.