Alex’s Background: Less than six months after moving from Brazil to the United States — and 15 years after graduating from high school — Alex dos Santos enrolled at Georgia State’s Perimeter College ready to achieve something he’d always wanted: earning a college degree. Alex had enjoyed a sales and marketing career in the fashion industry in Brazil, but never lost his deep desire to attend college.

His Path: It wasn’t easy enrolling so many years after graduating from high school. Alex credits Perimeter’s faculty and staff — and even fellow students — with making his transition successful. “I’ve had great professors who believed in me since the very beginning,” Santos said. “I worked hard, but I’m also lucky I had good people surrounding me.” As a communications student at Perimeter, Alex stood out. He received four scholarships and was awarded the 2017 International Undergraduate Student of the Year award, a university-wide recognition, particularly for his work mentoring immigrants and refugees who wanted to attend college. He graduated in May 2018.

The Latest: Alex delivered the commencement address at one of Perimeter College’s fall 2018 ceremonies. He’s now gearing up to continue his studies in the United States.

Read Alex’s Recognition as International Student of the Year

Zaria’s Background: As Zaria Chester approached her graduation from Towers High School, she learned the full-ride scholarship she’d hoped to receive at a private college would be given to someone else. She couldn’t afford tuition, so she spent her first year out of high school working as a retail cashier.

Her Path:  Zaria learned about the State Farm Scholars program, which enabled her to attend Perimeter College on scholarship. “I was overwhelmed with joy,” she said. “That might sound cliché, but it was true. I called my mother at work, and she was crying. It was a very good day.” In addition to the State Farm Scholars program, Perimeter College awards more than 200 scholarships each semester. Assistance is also available through Student Financial Services. Learn more at Perimeter’s How to Apply for Aid webpage.

The Latest: Zaria is on track to earn her associate degree from Perimeter College in 2019, then transfer to Georgia State University’s Atlanta Campus. She wants to be an elementary school teacher.