When Anamaria first encountered Breakthrough New York, she already had a glimpse of what the program could offer. Her older brother had joined BTNY two years earlier, and she often tagged along to celebrations and activities.

“I saw the opportunities that he was given, and that really enticed me,” she shared. “If I had to choose again whether to do it or not, I would have done it ten times over.”

For Anamaria and her brother, BTNY also provided support that was especially valuable to their family. Their parents immigrated to the United States and were unfamiliar with the New York City school system, the college application process, and many of the financial decisions that come with higher education.

From the beginning, Anamaria found a community of staff members who were willing to guide her without judgment. Whether she had a question about high school, college, or finances, she knew someone at Breakthrough would be ready to help.

“The staff at Breakthrough are amazing individuals,” she said. “They want to help and never criticize us for not knowing something or needing extra support.”

Those early conversations helped Anamaria begin thinking about college long before it was time to apply. BTNY introduced her to different careers, encouraged her to consider college-preparatory high schools, and taught her practical skills like budgeting. During Career Days, she repeatedly found herself visiting banks and businesses. Though she initially thought finance sounded boring, those experiences planted a seed.

Anamaria eventually enrolled at SUNY Geneseo, where she studied finance. Her decision was shaped not only by her interests, but also by a careful consideration of college costs. Finances remained one of her greatest challenges throughout college, and she initially expected to transfer after her first year because staying at Geneseo seemed unaffordable.

Then she learned that becoming a resident assistant could cover the cost of housing. She applied, earned the position, and served as an RA for her final three years. The role allowed her to remain at Geneseo and graduate debt-free.

“That job covered housing, and I haven’t had to pay anything for the last three years,” she said. “Everything worked out.”

Breakthrough continued to support Anamaria during college. She regularly turned to her college coach, Alexis, for help reviewing essays and résumés or navigating challenges. When her computer broke during her freshman year, leaving her unable to complete assignments for her business courses, BTNY helped connect her to emergency funding for a replacement.

Now, Anamaria is preparing to begin a full-time position in consulting after receiving an offer from the company where she completed her summer internship. She plans to explore the many areas within finance and business as she begins her career.

Although she found the internship independently, Anamaria credits BTNY with helping her build the confidence, independence, and relationship-building skills that prepared her to pursue the opportunity.

“Breakthrough taught me a lot about making connections with people and finding people who actually make you feel welcome. Breakthrough’s mission, at the end of the day, is also to provide you with a network to build upon. As we enter new spaces and opportunities, we are constantly encouraged to make connections that can support us not only professionally but personally as well. Over the last 10 years with Breakthrough, I have met many incredible individuals and maintained relationships with several of them throughout that time. In fact, I attended the same university as a fellow BTNY alumna, Ashley. We first met in middle school, and it became a full-circle moment to reconnect in college and continue strengthening our friendship,” she said.

After years of navigating new schools, financial obstacles, and the college process, Anamaria is stepping into her next chapter as a college graduate with a job secured and no student debt. Her journey reflects the determination she brought to every stage and the lasting impact of having a community in her corner.