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Two previous attendees of Steps to College (S2C) at the University of North Georgia (Â鶹¾«Æ·ÔÚÏß²¥·Å) gave back this summer to the program that helped shape them by serving as a teaching assistants. S2C ran from June 1-24 at Â鶹¾«Æ·ÔÚÏß²¥·Å's Gainesville Campus.

Brissa Salazar and Mario Angel Climaco were grateful for the chance to help students get high school credits and practice their English. But even more, their S2C roles helped them recall what it was like to be in their students' shoes.

Salazar, a Â鶹¾«Æ·ÔÚÏß²¥·Å junior pursuing a degree in nursing, served as an S2C teaching assistant for a third summer in a row. She came between her sophomore and junior years of high school to S2C as a participant, not long after moving to the U.S.

"It helped me a lot to build my confidence," Salazar said. "It gave me all the resources I needed to come to college."

Four years later, she is confidently helping others find their path.

"This program was a turning point in my life. The younger me wouldn't believe that I'm here. College felt impossible. I didn't know how I was going to get here, but I was going to do it. And this program helped me a lot with that," Salazar said. "I'm paying back the kindness that I received. I want to inspire my students the way I was. I want to be a positive role model for them to actually believe that it's possible."

Angel Climaco was likewise inspired by the summer he spent at S2C while in high school. He will enroll at Â鶹¾«Æ·ÔÚÏß²¥·Å this fall to prepare to become an educator. The Gainesville, Georgia, resident can remember what it was like to struggle with his English and need encouragement for his future. He received that push in large part from Diana Mancilla, S2C program director.

"Now that I'm a TA here, I'm very happy that I can help the students," Angel Climaco said. "I used to have the same problems that they have right now."

He worked another job this summer, as well, so he was already tired when he woke up. That couldn't slow his passion for helping others.

"When it hits 9 a.m., I know the students are going to be here and they're going to give me the energy I need for the day," he said.

The United Way of Hall County gave $15,000 to support S2C and Summer Scholars STEM Institute, and Jackson EMC Foundation gave $10,000 to support Steps to College.

Marialicia Oller Vega, a rising junior at West Forsyth High School, was grateful to take part in S2C.

"I love this program because it's very interesting for me, and it's helped me a lot because I want to become a lawyer," Oller Vega said.

Mia Marroquin, a rising junior at Buford High School, was in her second year of S2C.

"It's a great opportunity to do new things and learn quickly," Marroquin said.

Dalia Alinee taught English for speakers of other languages and the writer's workshop at S2C. She has worked with the summer program since 2004, when she quickly fell in love with its mission.

"As an educator and a native of Mexico who later became a naturalized U.S. citizen, I understand many of the challenges that multilingual students face when navigating a new language, culture and educational system. The program allows me to combine my passion for teaching with my personal experiences to help students build confidence, strengthen their English skills and see the opportunities available to them," Alinee said. "I continue to return every summer because I believe in the program's ability to change lives and because I am committed to help students succeed in ways that make a lasting difference in their futures."

Carmen Villicana taught students economics this summer.

"Unlike a traditional high school semester, Steps to College creates space for students to build confidence, collaborate with others and apply what they learn in meaningful ways," Villicana said. "Most importantly, unlike traditional economics courses, our courses focus on building relationships and increasing engagement to teach lifelong lessons. This approach helps students strengthen both academic and personal skills that will benefit them throughout their lives."