Hello, my name is Tori Cupertino and I am a Freshmen Psychology major with an Expressive and Therapeutic Arts minor at Marian University. My time at Marian has been absolutely amazing. Being that I am a first-generation college student, getting to where I am today has not been easy. Though I’m a Freshman at Marian it is not by any means a new environment for me or new territory. I have had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of this campus for five years now because of the amazing Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) program. They helped me get through high school, fill out my Marian application, and supplied me with very many opportunities. The minute that I walked onto Marian’s campus I fell in love. Through the UBMS program I was able to spend four years on campus throughout the academic school year and in the summer during the summer program. After the first year in the program I knew that Marian was where I wanted to go to school. Though I’m no longer a high school student in the program the support from them has not stopped. While I’m in the TRIO-SSS program as a member I am also still intertwined in the UBMS program as I work for them as a Student Mentor. Marian has provided me with endless opportunities and very many ways to flourish. If it wasn’t for all of the scholarships and grants that I received from Marian I wouldn’t have the honor of being a student on their campus. I have very many connections on campus that grow stronger each and every day. I’m so honored to be a part of such a great campus and I hope to be part of it in many ways for years to come.