Cash for College Student Interview!

 Student Name: Kruti Bosmia

Highest Education Completed: 12th grade (Bartow Senior High School)

Question: What made you interested in the degree/career you are currently pursuing?

Response: I’m interested in enrolling and going into a pre-med program at a university in Florida. My ultimate goal is to one day become a doctor and help people within my community. Nobody in my family is a doctor, but I want to be the first one and finish my education in order to make a difference in the world. What actually encouraged me or got me interested in this career is a close friend of my family taking me under her wing and mentoring me. She is an oncologist, meaning she is a cancer doctor and she helps to treat cancer patients. I got the amazing opportunity to shadow her in her medical clinic and seeing her in the action as a doctor really motivated me into pursuing this field. She is also a hematologist, which is a blood doctor, and she has such a strong love and dedication to what she does for people who are sick. She showed me how to go through and patient charts as well as showing me the procedures in taking care of patients. She is evening helping me with my college applications too!

Question: How much was the importance of getting a college education emphasized by your parents/family when you were growing up? What are some examples?

Response: Getting a college education was always encouraged and pushed in my household while growing up. We were always taught the value of an education, and how important it is to get good jobs in today’s world. Both of my parents immigrated from India to America, and they wanted to make things better for their children. They wanted to give us more opportunities, so they can give us a better life. My parents supported us by going to our school functions, motivating us to do extracurriculars, and showing us examples of how their friends are successful because of college. Showing us how college benefited them, and how it can benefit me in the long run.

Question: Did your parents/guardians attend and complete college themselves?

Response: Yes, my parents both graduated with their undergraduate degrees from India. They continually push me in going farther in education and are very supportive of me earning a doctorate.

Question: When did you become interested in pursuing a college degree? What were the reasons?

Response: I would say in my 9th-grade year, after getting into the IB program at Bartow High School. The focus on this program pushed me forwarded, and made me realize that I was in it for the long run and I have to try my hardest. Now the curriculum in the IB program at Bartow High School is a challenge, however, it is definitely worth it. The teachers are kind, engaging, and very helpful. Since we work in small groups, I feel like we students get more one-on-one help. Plus, due to working closely with each other, many of us became friends and encouraged each other in the program. One of the biggest things I learned is you have to balance school and life, which is helping me go forward.

Question: How did you collect information about the college you wanted to attend?

Response: I do not have a dream school in mind just yet, but I’ve been applying to universities in-state due to getting bright future scholarships. My goal is to enroll in an undergraduate program pre-med. Florida colleges are really good with lots of opportunities, which is another reason why I want to study in-state as well.

Question: What was your level of familiarity with the FAFSA prior to applying for college?

Response: The IB Guidance Counselor briefly explained what the FAFSA was last year, which then students were told to fill out this year (our senior year). So to be honest, I didn’t know too much, however, Polk Vision’s information session really helped me in preparing for the application. Learning about what documents are needed as well the grants, scholarship opportunities, and work-study options was awesome!  I even learned how filing for financial aid helped the FAFSA coordinator and her college journey, including how it got her involved in what she is doing now.

Question: What support did you receive with completing the FAFSA?

Response: The guidance counselors at my high school, Polk Vision, and my family definitely showed me a lot of support in getting the FAFSA done. My sister and dad even came with me to the FAFSA workshop, and my guidance counselors actually sent me the information about Polk Vision’s FAFSA events. The FAFSA coordinator made the application not at scary once everything was explained and we were given a walkthrough of the whole thing. I definitely think the FAFSA is doable, and it is not as intense as I thought it was at first. The people leading the workshop were very friendly, and I loved how there were snacks, drinks, and lots of help.

Question: Please briefly describe your experience completing the form. Were there any technical issues?

Response: There were not any technical issues, it was actually easier to complete the FAFSA with Polk Vision since they broke everything down while I was doing the application. I actually felt less stressed when my family and I were working side by side with the FAFSA coordinator during the workshop. I actually found it surprising with the amount of time and attention in helping me instead of waiting for someone to walk over. It felt way more comfortable and encouraging.

Question: What would you say to a fellow student who was considering filling out the FAFSA?

Response: Definitely do it! It is always worth it to try and find more opportunities to help with your future! The FAFSA is not just free money. When completing the FAFSA, you have more options for scholarships and work-study opportunities. I really want to work and live on campus one day, and I think that will help me grow and develop as a person. I think FAFSA is the first step in getting started with college and actually starting your college life.