Rosa joined UFC’s Scholars program in 2015. Initially hindered by a lack of support for her learning needs, UFC helped Rosa secure the necessary educational accommodations to get her through middle school and high school.

In 2021, Rosa was accepted to CSU Dominguez Hills and decided to proceed without accommodations to avoid stereotypes. Rosa lost touch with her foster family, faced academic and mental health crises, was disqualified from college, and no longer had access to student housing. With some financial support from UFC, Rosa’s resilience shone through as she transitioned to Compton College in Fall of 2023, where she developed a supportive relationship with a counselor, learned to trust adults again, and embraced her unique journey. Rosa is a Child Development major. She wants to teach and inspire preschool children – with support and perseverance, any obstacle can be overcome.