Aurora Public Schools

Our Students' Testimonies

"The College and Career Center helped me receive a full ride scholarship to MSU Denver while also making a plan for what I will be doing in the future. Given the support in the College and Career Center, I feel confident in the direction I will be taking even after college. "

- Leslie Gallegos, Metropolitian State Univeristy of Denver DREAM.us Scholar

"Senior year was more difficult that I could have ever anticipated. Navigating through the complicated processes of FAFSA, college applications and scholarships was daunting. Thankfully, I has someone to walk me through the steps and give me some personal advise. Honestly, if it were not for the helped I received in the College and Career Center, I don't know where I'd be."

-Medan Mamo, University of Northern Colorado

"My advisor always supported me and my decisions, whether it was college related or if it was a decision I was making at home. She took me step by step through the FAFSA and my college applications. She consistently made sure I was prepared for my future and I'll always love her for that!"

- Tytianna Wyatt, University of Washington- Tacoma

"High School can be tough and there is a lot of pressure laid on you to perform well. However, the College and Career Center is the type of place that will help and take a chunk of that burden off of you. Because of the College and Career Center, not only will I be going to CSU, but I also learned and improved many important skills that I can take with me forever."

- Akrom Amonov, Colorado State University- Fort Collins

Julia Montijo

Aurora Central High School

Julia was born and raised in Monteria Colombia. Moved to Colorado at the age of fourteen, where she completed her high school diploma and then earned a bachelor degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. As a first generation student, Julia has been very passionate to help others achieve post-secondary education. Throughout her time at the Community College of Denver and later at Emily Griffith Technical College, Julia has made it her personal mission to connect students to the resources that best fit them. She is a big advocate for undocumented students and loves working with high school students.

Jordan Bills

Aurora West College Prep., William Smith High School and APS Avenues

Jordan is a Colorado native. She is a Colorado State University alum with a B.A. in Sociology and received a Master's of Science in Organizational Leadership from CSU Global. Prior to joining the College and Career Success team she was an advisor for the TRIO program Educational Talent Search where she worked with first generation and Pell eligible students. Jordan enjoys helping students unlock their potential while also helping them to build a successful future after high school.

Asawer Alhilo

Cecilia Jaquez Gomez

Hinkley High School

Cecilia is a Hinkley High School alumni and a former College Career Center student. She is a Community College of Aurora & Colorado State University graduate, with an Associate of Science & B.S in Finance. Prior to joining the College and Career Success team, she was a coordinator for a program at CSU. She also has experience in tax, investment, and corporate accounting.

Shauna Meyer

Grace Jimenez

Vista Peak Preparatory

Grace is a first generation Mexican American, who was born and raised in Denver. Grace completed her undergraduate degree at Colorado State University in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Leadership and Entrepreneurship. Grace has worked with students for the past four years through a mentoring program called Los Caminos, as well as through Denver Scholarship Foundation, focusing on diverse communities and post secondary planning.