06/15/2024
Congratulations to Azusa resident, Sabrina Soriano, on her full rise scholarship to Yale University!!
Owl Spotlight: Everything changed for Sabrina Soriano after she and her father made a last-minute trip to Yale University.
Days after learning she had been awarded a full-ride scholarship to the Ivy League university, the Citrus College student trustee and Class of 2024 member was still undecided on whether to attend. After all, she had dreamt of attending UCLA.
After quickly buying two airplane tickets, Sabrina and her father found themselves at Yale as classes were wrapping up for the year. After visiting the residential colleges and the Yale University Art Gallery, Sabrina visited St. Mary's Church, a Roman Catholic church on campus.
"We planned a quick visit but were soon captivated by the church's beauty and the heavenly hymns sung by the choir and church leaders, accompanied by the organ," Sabrina recalled. "It was a divine experience."
After learning there would be an evening mass for the kick start of the National Eucharistic Revival Pilgrimage, Sabrina decided to stay for the mass on campus. During the gathering, she and her dad participated in the pilgrimage as it began from St. Mary's Church.
"As a practicing Catholic, my faith is central to my life, and this event felt like the clearest sign that Yale was the right choice," Sabrina said. "The decision was made – it was Yale."
A lifelong San Gabriel Valley resident, Sabrina is set to graduate on June 14 and will spend the summer in Southern California before attending Yale in the fall.
As she wraps up her time at Citrus College, she leaves behind an incredible two years of accomplishments and service. Recently, she earned two top honors at the 61st annual Achievement Awards – Service Leader of the Year and the Key of Knowledge.
One of two Service Leaders of the Year, Sabrina earned the recognition based on her academic achievement and volunteer service to the college and community. As one of 10 Key of Knowledge recipients, Sabrina was named one of the college's top academic students.
"One thing I will miss the most is my favorite space on campus – the Student Services Building," Sabrina said. "The people there have given me immense joy, support and encouragement throughout my entire experience at Citrus College."
Sabrina added that she is grateful to everyone who has been a part of her Citrus College journey. For her advice to other students, Sabrina referenced the Community Cultural Wealth Model that she learned about while taking a class at UCLA.
"Recognizing the special gifts, perspectives and stories we bring to our experiences as students, learners and leaders can help us understand that we have much to share and that our voices are valuable," she said. "My advice would be this: Use your capital in your journey and be proud of it."
The entire campus community wishes Sabrina well as she embarks on the next Ivy-covered chapter of her life. Remember – once an Owl, always an Owl! 🦉👩🎓
