Catto Scholar Blog - Iraida Sanchez

Hi everyone! My name is Iraida (they/them), and I am 20 years old. I was born in Puerto Rico but was raised here in Philly. My family and I moved from Puerto Rico back in the early 2000s and we’ve been here ever since. 

I graduated from Northeast High School – MAGNET in 2020, and I am currently a sophomore at Community College of Philadelphia majoring in Digital Video Production. I originally did not plan to attend CCP, but due to some personal situations, I did end up choosing to attend CCP. It was genuinely the best decision I have ever made for my future. 

A few months after first applying to CCP, I was quite literally bombarded with emails saying I was eligible for the Catto Scholarship. At first, I thought nothing of it if I am being honest, until I mentioned it to a friend asking if I should give it a shot. They gave me the motivation and boost I needed to go through with it. I regret nothing. If anything, I regret not answering their emails sooner. 

I, along with many other recipients, were part of the first cohort. At the time, I was not aware of all the extra benefits that would come with being a part of the scholarship. Everyone that I have met and talked to within the Catto community has been super friendly. My success coach has been extremely helpful when it comes to answering my random questions about school. He has helped me every semester, encouraged me to attend many of the workshops, and has motivated me to stay on top of everything. 

The monthly stipends have also been a significant help, whether it has been used for school supplies and books, or rides to campus. Being part of the Catto Scholarship has been one of the best things that has happened to me. It has really helped me and my future with school. 

If you are planning to attend CCP, and see your email being bombarded with emails about the Catto Scholarship, give them a chance. It is well worth it.