Your Support Kept Him in School: John’s Journey in Computer Science

John Gil Vazques discovered his passion for computers at age nine, fixing machines alongside his uncle.

His early curiosity grew into a career goal in computer science, but transitioning to college life and paying for classes on his own presented real challenges.

CT State Community College Gateway offered a way to ease into higher education without jumping straight into a four-year program. Because he was making his way on his own, he could take only a few classes at a time and covering tuition out of pocket. This semester, financial pressure almost forced him to drop his courses. When he received a Gateway Community College Foundation scholarship, relief and hope followed. “I thought I might have to pause my education, but this scholarship allowed me to complete the semester. It truly helped my situation,” he says.

John encourages other students to seek out support. “If you need help from your college, apply for scholarships or talk to your advisor. They can guide you,” he says. The scholarship strengthened his determination and belief in his own potential. “I thought I was going to be at the bottom, and now I can reach for the top,” he shares.

For bilingual students or anyone learning a new language, John offers this advice: “Don’t be afraid to speak, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. You won’t improve unless you try, and it won’t hurt you.”

John’s journey shows how curiosity, determination, and support can transform obstacles into opportunity, help students gain confidence, independence, and skills to reach their goals.