Zachara’s Journey: A Hall of Fame Story That Reflects the Heart of CT State Gateway
Zachara is a shining light at CT State Community College Gateway. She shared her incredible story at this year’s Gateway Community College Foundation Hall of Fame. Her journey is a testament of the importance of supporters like you. Thanks to the generosity of donors like the Geballe family don’t just fund college, you empower students to lead, advocate, and shape their campus community. Your support helps create the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders.
From Zachara:
Hello everyone, my name is Zechara Golden, and I’m a Psychology major here at Gateway Community College. It’s such a privilege to speak with you all tonight and to celebrate the incredible work this foundation does for students like me.
When I first enrolled at Gateway, I was unsure of what the road ahead would look like. After deciding to take a gap year following high school — which eventually turned into eight years — the idea of continuing my education seemed unfathomable. The traditional pathway to higher education wasn’t possible for me. Like many students in the Connecticut community college system, my educational journey was unconventional. I was homeschooled from grade school through high school, which meant I didn’t follow the state curriculum. The thought of taking the SATs, knowing there were likely gaps in my knowledge, terrified me. So instead, I entered the workforce. Over the years, I gained invaluable experience managing a corporate-owned coffee shop by day and bartending across the state by night. At one point, I was working nearly 70 hours a week — saving what I could, hoping that one day I’d be able to apply to a four-year college.
After years of hard work to stay afloat, I decided to go back to school — even though it felt like a gamble. I was nervous about taking on student loan debt, paying for standardized tests to apply, and balancing school with full-time work. But I knew that if I didn’t take that leap, I might never have the chance to build the future I wanted for myself. I visited Gateway for the first time in 2022, and I was instantly awestruck by how kind and helpful everyone on campus was. From the moment I stepped into the One Stop, my anxiety began to ease. I felt like I was speaking with people who genuinely cared about my future. Shortly after receiving my acceptance letter, I was assigned an advisor—and that’s when everything started to fall into place.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Roberta Prior and Dr. Lauren Doninger for their continued support, advocacy, and guidance throughout my Gateway journey. My advisors walked me through every step of the process—from completing my FAFSA to selecting classes that aligned with my goals and interests. They helped me build a pathway to success, carefully bridging the gaps in my educational background.
Once my financial aid was processed, I received another surprise: the PACT program, now known as the Mary Ann Hadley Award. This incredible opportunity completely covered my tuition and allowed me to pursue my education without the overwhelming financial burden that once held me back. The Mary Ann Hadley Award was truly life-changing for me. I honestly don’t think I could have afforded to attend college without it. The financial support lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and allowed me to focus on my coursework. I left the corporate world and began managing a local bar and music venue that allowed for more scheduling flexibility. Finally, I could cover my bills with just one job and focus my energy on my studies. I completed my first semester with exceptional grades, and seeing my calculated GPA for the first time was one of the most fulfilling moments of my life.
Then, I received an email from the Gateway Foundation informing me that I had been selected for a $1,000 scholarship. That moment lit a fire in me. I was deeply honored to be chosen—but more than anything, I felt seen. That scholarship allowed me to purchase all my textbooks for the following two semesters and maintain my work schedule without having to pick up extra hours. With that newfound time, I doubled down on my studies and worked closely with my advisors to map out a pathway that aligned with my long-term goals: to one day start my own business and serve my community through mental and holistic health and wellness.
During my third semester at Gateway, one of my professors told me about a program I should look into—the UConn Guaranteed Admission Program, also known as the GAP Program. At the time, I was riding the momentum of my third successful semester with a 3.9 GPA, but I hadn’t considered the possibility of attending a four-year university as prestigious as the University of Connecticut.
With the encouragement of my advisors, I applied. However, I knew that to be considered for this opportunity, I would need to maintain my GPA. With that challenge in mind, I dedicated myself to achieving that goal.
Thanks to the confidence and financial assistance I’ve received here at Gateway Community College, I’m proud to share that my efforts have paid off. I will be graduating from Connecticut State Community College this year, and next Spring, I’ll be continuing my journey as a junior at the University of Connecticut. The assurance of guaranteed admission gave me the confidence to explore my passions more deeply and find ways to give back to my community right away. I enrolled in a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program through Yoga in Our City, a community organization sponsored by Connecticare. Their mission—to integrate yoga philosophy as a way to uplift and unite communities—aligned with my values.
Throughout my eight-month training, I was reminded of the importance of welcoming people of all shapes, sizes, and walks of life. I want my classes to embody the same sense of belonging that Gateway gave me. In May of this year, I earned my 200-hour Yoga Teacher certification and soon began teaching in local parks across Connecticut. Every Saturday morning this past season, I guided a trauma-informed, inclusive, beginner-friendly vinyasa flow. Creating a safe space for students and fellow yogis from all backgrounds has been a transformative experience.
During my time at Gateway, I also had the opportunity to study Spanish with the wonderful professor Claudia Bedoya for three semesters. The conversational Spanish skills I’ve gained have already made a difference in my field of work. I’ve had the pleasure of leading bilingual chair yoga classes at the Dixwell and Atwater Senior Centers, and I look forward to applying my knowledge through more community-based projects in the future.
What I’ve learned throughout my journey is that small acts of support can foster incredible transformation. Sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity to help someone see what’s possible for them. The Gateway Foundation and every resource I have utilized during my time here have truly changed the course of my life. I’m honored to stand here as proof that, while the path to higher education might not look the same for everyone, it is possible. With dedication and support, people can achieve extraordinary things.
Thank you for believing in students like me and for making bright futures possible.