From First-Gen Student to Future Leader: How POE Helped Fernando Build His Path to Success
Fernando Pérez-Nieves
At POE-South Bay, the mission isn’t just about scholarships—it’s about creating a community that empowers first-generation college students to thrive. Fernando’s story is a testament to the life-changing impact of mentorship, guidance, and support.
“When I started at San Jose State, I felt like I was in over my head,” Fernando shared. “I didn’t have anyone in my family who had been to college, so I was figuring it all out on my own. It was overwhelming.” That’s when POE stepped in.
The scholarship Fernando received from POE wasn’t just financial relief—it was a lifeline for both him and his family. “It meant I didn’t have to stress about things like textbooks or parking passes,” he explained. “Without the scholarship, I probably would’ve had to take out loans, and I really wanted to avoid that. It gave me the freedom to focus on what mattered—my engineering courses.”
Fernando also shared how the scholarship’s impact extended beyond him. “My mom was so relieved when I got the scholarship. She always wanted to help me, but college is expensive, and I could see how much it weighed on her. POE didn’t just help me—it helped my family. It gave us all some peace of mind.”
But what really made the difference for Fernando was his mentor, Pedro. “Pedro was incredible. He taught me things I didn’t even realize I needed to know—like how to register for classes, plan out my graduation timeline, and even how to email professors. He pushed me to go to office hours, which felt intimidating at first, but it ended up being one of the best pieces of advice. Those little things added up and gave me the confidence to keep going.”
As Fernando approached graduation, POE’s support evolved to meet his next challenge: launching his career. That’s where Pat Belotti came in. “Pat was a game-changer,” Fernando said. “She helped me polish my resume, write a standout cover letter, and overhaul my LinkedIn profile. She wasn’t just giving me tips—she was following up every week, making sure I made the edits and really put my best foot forward. When I landed my first internship, I called her right away. I was so excited. She believed in me before I believed in myself.”
Now, as a civil engineer, Fernando is building the career he once dreamed of. But even as he focuses on his own goals, he’s already thinking about how to give back. “I want to be a mentor for POE one day. Pedro and Pat made such a huge difference in my life—I want to do the same for someone else.”
For Fernando, POE isn’t just a scholarship program. “It’s a family. They don’t just give you money and wish you luck. They make sure you’re on track academically, help you build your professional skills, and connect you with people who genuinely care about your success. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
Fernando’s story is proof of the ripple effect of mentorship and support. POE doesn’t just help students—it empowers families, builds confidence, and creates future leaders who are ready to give back.
If Fernando’s journey inspires you, consider supporting POE-South Bay. Whether you become a mentor, make a donation, or share our mission with others, you can help transform lives and open doors for first-generation college students. Together, we’re building futures—one student at a time.
