When Samantha L. pictured herself in college, community college was not part of the plan. She thought only big-name universities could give her the education she needed. That changed the moment she walked onto the campus of CT State Norwalk.

Samantha quickly realized the value of a campus filled with students and professors from many backgrounds. She says the diversity she experienced opened her eyes and helped her grow as a person. Along the way, two professors, Renae Edge and William O’Connell, became mentors who encouraged her and introduced her to new opportunities, including the Foundation’s LEAP scholarship.

In May 2025, Samantha proudly walked across the graduation stage having earned Summa Cum Laude honors with a 4.0 GPA. She has now transferred to the University of Connecticut Stamford, where she is now studying sociology on the path to law school.

Samantha says she could not have done it without the support of the NCC Foundation’s donors. “My LEAP award reflects your belief in me and my abilities,” she says. “That recognition gave me confidence in myself and continues to push me forward.”

Her story is a reminder of how much donor generosity can change a student’s life.