Ray Cruz is a junior at ASU majoring in business communication. He grew up in the foster care system, “bouncing around to quite a few homes in California and Arizona,” yet considering it “the biggest blessing of my life.” He goes on to say, “You’re limited to what you see growing up when you’re in one family. I got to see a variety of ways that families shape their values and priorities so that today, I have a lot of examples in charting my life.” His future has also been molded by his experiences as a Nina Scholar.

In reflecting on the support of his coordinators in the program, “They were always there to provide tutoring and even the smallest things. Their help created a stress-free environment. I could have never afforded college without this program.” Ray has already earned his real estate license and is working toward a degree in business communications from ASU. Given the opportunity to show appreciation to Nina Mason Pulliam, “I’d probably just cry. It’s amazing what one woman who sets out to do something bigger than herself can do. And I get to be among the many she has impacted.”