Hawthorne Academy senior Erick Pech has been keeping himself busy this year with school clubs, a part-time job and, most importantly: Upcoming college decisions. Erick has proven himself to be an outstanding student and was nominated by Partnership Scholars Program to be a 2016 Posse Scholar earlier this year. One of three nominees from PSP’s senior class, Erick underwent a highly competitive, rigorous interview process and is now amongst a small pool of semifinalists.

With his mentor, John Ely, Erick has been able to visit several college campuses and participate in activities that he calls a “nice distraction” from the pressures of school. Erick is exploring many college possibilities, focusing first on his University of California and California State University applications. “At the moment I’m thinking about biomedical engineering,” says Erick, considering private, out-of-state options as well, including Dickenson College. After visiting the school during PSP’s New York trip in the summer of 2015, Erick became interested in Dickenson’s three-two year program. “You do three years at Dickenson and then finish off two years at their partner school,” says Erick. In the meantime, Erick is working with his mentor and John’s wife, Meg Sanchez, on applications and letters of recommendations.

Erick spends most of his time outside of class divided between Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA), Associated Student Body (ASB), the Key Club and his part-time job at the Manhattan Country Club. Through service on ASB, Erick is able to explore his propensity for leadership, “having input in what’s going on rather than being in the corner,” says Erick.

Looking back at his experiences with PSP since middle school, Erick says one of the most valuable components of the program for him has been meeting other scholars. “My favorite part of PSP has been the connections,” says Erick. “I like meeting new people. Some of the people I met on the New York trip I still keep in touch with them.”

Being a part of PSP has meant a great deal to Erick, who felt his future was tenuous when first entering the program five years ago. “It has given me a new perspective about a lot of things I didn’t know,” says Erick. “Being undocumented, I was always afraid of my future education and career. It was always a blur. With PSP, it gave me a new insight and it gave me hope.”