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From her earliest days in Catholic school to her current work supporting children with behavioral needs, Coralie’s educational journey has been guided by a deep sense of purpose, and a community that believed in her potential every step of the way.

Coralie began her education at Mother Caroline Academy (elementary level) before continuing on to St. Joseph Preparatory High School, where she graduated in 2022. Today, she is a senior at Wellesley College, on track to graduate in 2026, majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Statistics.

“I declared psychology my freshman year,” Coralie shared. “I added statistics because I found it really interesting—and it’s such a valuable skill to have alongside psychology.”

Coralie first became a Catholic Schools Foundation (CSF) Scholar in high school after being introduced to the scholarship by her Head of School, Mr. Nunnon. Along with a group of classmates, she attended a CSF Mass shortly afterward, an experience that left a lasting impression.

“Seeing so many students my age at the Mass was really special,” she said. “It meant that someone saw something in all of us at a young age and believed we deserved this opportunity.”

That sense of connection stayed with her. The CSF Masses became a meaningful way to reconnect with friends attending other schools and to feel part of a larger network of students working toward shared goals.

Scholarship support played a critical role in Coralie’s ability to pursue her education.

“It really helped my family,” she explained. “And knowing there were donors—people I might never meet—who believed in me and wanted to help me succeed was incredibly motivating.”

That encouragement pushed her to work harder academically and to fully embrace the opportunities in front of her.

“Attending Wellesley and working hard there has paid off,” she said. “It’s meaningful to know someone saw something in me and invested in my future.”

Since 2020, Coralie has worked at the Boys & Girls Club in Dorchester, where she supports children with behavioral challenges, including autism and ADHD. She first joined through the City of Boston’s summer jobs program as a camp counselor, and quickly found her calling.

“I loved it,” she said. “I started in the early education department, working with two-year-olds, and I’ve stayed ever since.”

Her professional interests now extend into research on autism, and she hopes to one day work in a clinical or school-based setting, supporting children through applied behavioral analysis or similar programs.

“I want to keep expanding my horizons,” she shared. “I’m excited to explore full-time roles after graduation while continuing the work I love.”

Like many first-generation college students, Coralie faced challenges navigating a new environment filled with students from different backgrounds, states, and countries.

“In high school, everything was smaller and more familiar,” she said. “College took time to adjust, but now I’ve found my community.”

A key part of that community has been her involvement in the Caribbean Student Association, where she has served as an event chair since her freshman year. In this role, Coralie helps plan cultural events, community discussions, self-care programs, and the annual cultural show each February.

Creating spaces where students feel seen and supported mirrors the values that shaped her own journey.

When asked what she’d like CSF supporters to know, Coralie didn’t hesitate.

“Thank you so much for seeing something in me, and in kids who have similar experiences,” she said. “It means everything to know that you took the time to help us get the education we deserve and strive for academic greatness.”

Her advice for students just beginning their CSF journey is equally heartfelt:

“Try your best and know that there are always people supporting you, even if you don’t see them. You are never alone.”

As Coralie looks ahead to life after college, her future is full of promise and grounded in the same generosity and belief that helped her get there.

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Coralie’s story is one of many made possible through the generosity of CSF donors. Your support opens doors, builds confidence, and helps students thrive, from their first day of school through college and beyond. Join us in investing in the promise of future leaders by making a gift today and helping more students achieve their full potential. Your Gift Changes Lives!

Support the Next Generation of CSF Scholars