Vanessa Beltran

Beltran-web

“Most people spend a lifetime figuring out what their purpose, or ‘calling’ is. But not me. At eighteen, I already know what my purpose is: to make a difference for the Mexican community both in the U.S. and in Mexico.”

  • Program: 2011 College Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Rockville, MD
  • Hometown: Rockville, MD
  • Age: 19

Biography

Highlights of Young Scholar Experience: Many Young Scholars say that being selected for the prestigious award is a life-changing experience.  And for Vanessa Beltran, it certainly was.  In addition to the study trips to Europe and to various prestigious universities in the U.S., Vanessa was able to attend a private, academically rigorous high school. 

Profile: Vanessa has thrived at Georgetown Visitation, an historic preparatory school for young women in the shadow of Georgetown University in Washington, DC.  “Thrived” might be putting it lightly.  This young dynamo has proven herself in and out of the classroom at Visitation where she edited the Yearbook, led the Model UN Club and logged hundreds of hours of community service.  But in describing herself and what she hopes to accomplish in her life, Vanessa recalls two trips away from Washington “that have shaped my ambitions” – one a course in international relations in London, and the other, a service mission to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota where she taught first graders.  “Stepping onto the reservation opened my eyes to a world that is in dire need of my help. I realized my goal in life is to reach out to communities that need my help.”

Inspiration:  Vanessa’s said she has been “blessed” with countless mentors and teachers but her mother and siblings have influenced her the most.  “Their love, support, and guidance have shaped me and have helped me achieve my goals thus far. I know their encouragement will continue being an important factor to my successes in the future.”

Aspiration: Simply stated, Vanessa wants to help others who are less fortunate.  It drives her and is her passion.

Making a Difference:  Vanessa’s resume is stacked with service project involvement – from feeding the homeless to working/teaching on a Reservation.  But like most teachers and mentors, she may not know for several years – or may never know – just how much of an impact she had.  Vanessa tutors other students at her high school who are having troubles.    

Accolades:  During her senior year of high school Vanessa was named a QuestBridge Finalist and in 2009 earned the designation of “Scholar” by the National Society of High School Scholars.  She has also been a regular on the Visitation Honor Roll.

Interesting Fact:  Although not a soccer player herself, she is a huge fan of the Mexican National team.  One of her goals is to someday meet the squad’s members.

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