Face Everything and Rise
The College Years: In 1989, I graduated
from Texas A&M University owing $2,300. I was
a 23-year-old single parent. I worked, went to
school, volunteered, was active in extra-curricular
activities, and raised my toddler son. I had to
learn the scholarship, grant, and loan system
on my own. I had to learn everything on my
own, just like the students today. I was ready to
sacrifice anything and everything to achieve my
goals. I knew that the payoff would be huge. And
I was right. After graduation, doors opened, and
I walked right through.
Student Becomes Mentor: In 2016, I was
placed in the position of mentor rather than
student and determined to teach my children
my own methods. During my research, I found
that not much had changed. Just the format.
Technology. Parents are still parents. Students
are still students. Finding scholarships without
knowing how to execute a plan was overwhelming.
I had to devise a system that would work for both
of my college-bound children.
A Research Project. A Workshop: Before
I knew it, I wrote a 150-page workbook. I
conducted a small workshop, and it was
amazing. And guess what everyone’s question
was? “How do I organize, execute, and follow
up?” Just like me!
The Turning Point: In Fall 2017,
colleagues encouraged me to publish a book. I
knew there was no turning back. In December
2017, I quit my job,
hired my IT guru and in 24 hours had a book
cover design and logo. I called a publisher. And
here we are…
Dear Latino Families: Every family has
unique challenges. Remember…Tough times
don’t last; tough people do! I have taught
numerous families who have fear in their eyes.
Afterward, they feel as if they have a plan
and are filled with hope. I share my journey and
strategy with you: I utilized every ounce of my
corporate training, real life experiences and
my years as a professional trainer and curriculum
writer to develop College Survivor. Face everything
and rise! Go! LS
About the Author
By Phyllis Solis-Friederich
"It all started with a little white bag that our family received
after attending a high school college night. Inside was pure gold.
Tucked away in this bag was incredible information that
provided where, when and why...but not how. It sat in the corner
of our living room collecting dust. As a parent, I sat frustrated
with such gold and not a thought of how to use it. So, I began to
research. A folder became a three-ring binder, and
research evolved into a plan. Shortly after, my children's friends
began to ask if I could help them, too. College Survivor was
born. The gold just needed a strategy. "How" was the missing
link!”
Want to comment or have any questions on
this article? Email us at info@latinastyle.com
Phyllis Friederich is a native South Texan currently living in Iowa, married
with two college bound children. She graduated from Texas A&M as a
single parent, owing only $2,300. She learned the scholarship and grant
system over 30 years ago and has spent hundreds of hours researching
today’s system to assist her children. She has successfully conquered
Corporate America with several Presidential Cups, applied her talents an
became a successful Entrepreneur. She is active in numerous Humanitarian
Efforts. The College Survivor journey began as an original project designed
for the author’s children. It developed into a workshop for friends and then
evolved into a book. (Photo credit: Jessica Dawdy).
42 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 25, No. 2, 2019
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