They Helped Me Feel Seen: How a Gateway Scholarship Changed Edwin’s Future
“I felt seen,” he said softly. “They (the donors) didn’t have to do that. They could have gone on a nice vacation with that money. But they chose to help someone like me. They bridged the gap. Without them, I would have graduated in 2027, not 2026. You helped me reach my goal faster, and I don’t take that for granted. This is only the beginning. When I continue with this education, you’re going to see me in government, serving my community.” Said Edwin Rios about the Gateway Community College Foundation scholarship he earned.
When Edwin graduated high school in 2008, the world was collapsing under the weight of an economic crisis. His parents had lost their jobs, and survival meant sacrifice. College had to wait. As the only English speaker in his family, Edwin carried the weight of adulthood before he was ready. He stepped into the workforce to keep a roof over their heads. He was forced to choose between education or their homelessness. He chose family.
Years later, when life allowed him to return to the classroom in 2022, Edwin began his studies at Housatonic Community College. His job as a legal aide in New Haven drew him to CT State Community College Gateway, where he found not only proximity but purpose. “You can definitely find your place and your path here,” he said, reflecting on the community that welcomed him.
Edwin hopes to enter the legal field to stand as an advocate for those who feel unseen, and use knowledge and compassion to help others find their voices and their strength.
“Growing up in Bridgeport, from the 1990s to the mid 2000’s, it was not easy. The support for education wasn’t as strong as it is in other respective municipalities,” he said. “What keeps me motivated is my faith and knowing that I am not here for myself. I am here to be a voice for others, especially in my community. To be effective, I need understanding and knowledge. I’m here for others. If you’re an individual, I want to help you be heard.”
Edwin’s path has not been easy. “I’ve hit real financial lows,” he shared. But through the Family Economic Security Program (FESP), he discovered the Gateway Community College Foundation and decided, almost on a whim, to apply for a scholarship. “I needed it,” he said. “If not, I was going to have to repeat the year.”
When the award notification arrived, his joy was immediate and overwhelming. “I almost threw my phone,” he laughed. The scholarship allowed him to take three classes instead of two, keeping him on track to graduate in 2026.
Edwin’s gratitude runs deep. “Without this support, I would have been in real trouble,” he said. “But you made a way for me. And because of that, I’m one step closer to making a way for others.”
UPDATE 5/21/26
Now, having officially graduated in 2026 as an honor student, Edwin hopes his story encourages others who may be questioning whether it is too late to return to school. Reflecting on his journey at graduation, he shared a message for anyone standing where he once stood.
“If you’re thinking about going back to school, give yourself that chance and take that first step,” Edwin said. “I was one of the ones that doubted going to school, but look at me, I’m here at graduation, I’m an honor student, and I just want to encourage everyone that anything is possible.”