News

DTS from Home, Adrian

For 12th grader, Adrian, senior year of high school is not ending as he envisioned.  Traditional senior activities have been cancelled, but he is making the best of a difficult situation.  “During the quarantine, I’ve been thinking about college. I have wanted to go to college for many years, and I was accepted to some incredible schools with great financial aid offers. But it looks like I might not have the chance to actually attend for another year. I’m also disappointed I won’t be able to go to prom, grad night or graduation. These are all things every senior should…
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DTS from Home, Melissa

Melissa, a first year college student at College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, is now completing her spring semester from home in South LA.  Melissa shares what is on her mind: “Lately I have been thinking about everything I took for granted. I have grown a stronger appreciation for the outdoors, friends, family, etc. I have also been reflecting on how to become more mindful of everything I have to be thankful for. This experience has been a bit stressful because there were a lot of changes in such a short amount of time – having to move out of my dorm…
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Succeeding Through Connection

During this unprecedented time of adaptation, DTS continues to provide support for our students in every way that we can.  We FaceTime, we Zoom, we set up WiFi accounts, we don masks and gloves to deliver supplies, we continue to connect.  Virtual trivia night, talent shows, and group meditation sessions are part of our new normal at DTS.   Remote learning is profoundly more difficult for low-income students than others.  Crowded living conditions and insufficient tech access are just two of many challenges facing our students.  In addition to our usual services, DTS has increased its mental health support and is offering vital…
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THANK YOU ANN!

A huge thank you to Ann Rogers, our Marketing and Capacity-Building VISTA Intern for her year of service. We feel fortunate to have had Ann on our team.  Ann shares, “I was inspired to work with Determined to Succeed after hearing the success stories of the students – they were matriculating not only to local and state schools, but by reaching for the stars, they were attending some of the most prestigious schools in the country. As a child of immigrant parents, I understand how real the struggle is to assimilate and succeed – at times you find yourself helping…
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First Year College Update

We recently caught up with DTS college student Gabby, a freshman at Occidental College. Here’s what she had to say about college life. What was your transition to college life like?My college transition hasn’t actually ended yet, but so far it has been more positive than not. I have fallen in love with the academic aspect of college. All the professors I have had so far are extremely passionate about their field, and their enthusiasm helps me get immersed in the material. The challenge has been mostly internal. I am very close to my family and not being with them…
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