“[My parents] didn’t have the chance to go to college, but they’ve always encouraged me to pursue this opportunity”.
Cristian is a business management student embracing a nontraditional college program that allows him to finish school faster while working full-time.
Choosing a Nontraditional Path as a First-Generation Student
As a first-generation college student from an immigrant family, Cristian knows that higher education is a critical step toward unlocking new opportunities—but balancing full-time work with school made pursuing a degree especially challenging. This is why he chose a nontraditional, accelerated path through Rivet School, which allows him to earn his degree faster and at a lower cost and with the added benefit of coaching and additional support.
“[My parents] didn’t have the chance to go to college, but they’ve always encouraged me to pursue this opportunity,” he says. By working full-time while maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Cristian is not only overcoming significant obstacles but also setting an inspiring example for his younger siblings and nieces, proving that with the right support, higher education is within reach.
The Impact of the Chime® Scholarship
Receiving the Chime Scholarship has provided invaluable support for Cristian, helping him manage both the financial and academic pressures of college. “This scholarship eased the financial pressure, allowing me to focus on my studies and take on new projects without worrying as much about expenses,” he says. The scholarship also enabled him to take out fewer loans, setting him up for a more stable financial future.
Looking Ahead: A Career in Business and Finance
Cristian’s career goals are focused on entering the finance or accounting field, where he can apply his business management studies directly to his work. “I plan to get a job as an accountant,” he explains, noting that the skills he’s developing in math and networking are key to his future success. For Cristian, accounting represents a practical and rewarding path, allowing him not only to build a stable career and give back to his community but also to earn more and create a better future. Cristian is confident that by pursuing his degree and career goals, he’s creating opportunities that his parents didn’t have and paving the way for future success in his family.
Cristian’s story is one of resilience and determination, showing how innovative programs and community support can help students achieve their dreams. Through Rivet School and the Chime Scholarship, he’s building a brighter future—faster and smarter.