Ivan Macedonio

10,000 Degrees Alumnus
University of California, Merced, 2019

"At a young age, my parents would always insist on the importance of higher education. As an immigrant to this country, I was constantly denied from other college readiness programs because of my immigration status. There was a point when my family and I lost hope until my Sophomore year of High school when I was recommended and introduced to 10,000 Degrees. After going through the summer intensive at Sonoma State with many of my peers who were of similar backgrounds, I was inspired to continue fighting for my American dream of going to a university. 10,000 Degrees changed the trajectory of my life with all the advisors who not only helped me in the early process of high school but led me through my college career. Throughout my career path, in my junior year of High school, I was paired with a lifelong 10,000 Degrees' mentor that is very dear to me. My mentor has helped me in many ways by guiding me through career choices and work questions. If it wasn't for 10,000 Degrees I wouldn't have achieved the American Dream I always dreamt of as a child. This paved the way for my younger brother to follow in my footsteps and go to a 4-year university also thanks to 10,000 Degrees. He went through the same process and this past June graduated and is now working with an accounting firm. 10,000 Degrees has been instrumental for not only me but my whole family. Thanks to our education and experience we helped start a family business for our parents, which we never saw as a possibility. Again, the Macedonio Family is immensely thankful for this program and the positive impact it has had on us."