Kristen Ogogo was raised by a single mom from Kenya and knows the value of hard work and sacrifice.
“If it weren’t for my mom coming here at 19 years old with only $15 in her pocket, she would not have been able to make a way for her two children to live the American dream,” Ogogo said.
Today, Ogogo is going to Princeton University on a full scholarship to study molecular biology, writes Madeleine Wright for CBS News Philadelphia.
Ogogo is a recent graduate of Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School. The scholarship comes through QuestBridge, which supports high-achieving students from underserved communities.
The program received more than 25,000 applicants. Ogogo was chosen among 2,627 students to match with a prestigious university.
The 18-year-old salutatorian plans to study molecular biology with the goal of becoming an oncologist. Ogogo lost her eighth-grade teacher, Sue Masciantonio, to pancreatic cancer.
“She was a big catalyst for all of my determination, all my motivation to have now, and after her passing, it only fueled me to strive harder,” Ogogo said.
Ogogo is grateful to those who have helped her, including donors who helped cover her tuition to attend Bonner Prendergast High School.
Find out more about Kristen Ogogo at CBS News Philadelphia.
