Lina Torres

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"Those who face that which is actually before them, unburdened by the past, undistracted by the future, these are they who live, who make the best use of their lives, these are those who have found the secret of contentment"
Alban Goodier

"Be who you are and say what you want because those that mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind"
Dr.Suess

  • Program: 2009 College Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Medford, MA
  • Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
  • Age: 20

Biography

Highlights of Young Scholar Experience: Lina said she never imagined that being a Young Scholar could change her life as it has. She participated in programs studying Arabic in the Egypt, learning about the Great Books in Massachusetts, working with the homeless in Chicago, and several other Foundation-sponsored adventures. “The Young Scholars program has taught me to set high standards and to create opportunities for myself.”

Profile:  Lina grew up in a home where hard work and education was the major focus. Life was difficult for the Torres family when they first arrived in the United States from their native Colombia. “My sister and I were very young and my parents found themselves being unfamiliar with the culture and the education system that would so greatly influence their daughters,” Lina recalled. But Lina discovered that people were willing to help in her new home in Northern Virginia and she eventually built a support network. She is grateful to many people for helping to stimulate her passion for knowledge.

Inspiration:  “I have been incredibly blessed with a great number of teacher and mentors,” Lina said, but singled out Shari Benites, the Minority Achievement Coordinator as her alma mater, Yorktown High School in Virginia. “She helped me stay focused on what I can achieve in the long run,” Lina said. “Years ago she told me she recognized something special in me . . . and the support and advice that she has given me has helped me make her vision of my success come true.”

Aspiration:  The struggle that Lina’s family experienced upon arrival in Virginia left an unforgettable mark on her life. At an early age she developed great compassion and understanding for those struggling in a new country. “This inspired my goal of studying political science and international relations in hopes of one day creating legislation and/or policy that makes a change in the lives of struggling people.”

Making a Difference:  For the past two years Lina also was a volunteer with the Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry where she provided education to fellow students about HIV/AIDS, to combat the fear, prejudice, and complacency that surround the disease. She has given dozens of hours to this project since 2007. During her time in school she also was a member of Latinas Leading Tomorrow, the Latino Club and a Colombian Folk Dance group called “El Tayrona.” She was also proud of the progress she made in learning Arabic. 

Accolades:   Lina received the AP Scholar Award as well as the Latinas Leading Tomorrow Academic Achievement Award

Interesting fact:  Lina is a “huge Red Sox fan.”

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