Invincible Voices | Young Invincibles

Young Invincibles’ storytelling program provides a platform for young people to have their lived experiences heard. Young people are often excluded from the policymaking process, yet are widely impacted by the decisions of local and national lawmakers. YI ensures young people have seat at the table by sharing stories from those most impacted by health care, higher education, workforce, and financial policies. We work with young adults to share their personal accounts through op-eds and blogs, interviews with the media, and speaking engagements. Check out some of the stories below, and we hope you’ll be inspired to share your story with us here.

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Posted December 7, 2020

Invincible Voices, Higher Education, California

Student Debt Hinders Long Term Outcomes For Borrowers

My name is Jay’Riah Thomas- I am from Sacramento, California (born and raised), and I am 26 years old. I currently serve as an appointed state council member for Governor Gavin Newsom under the State Independent Living Centers (SILC). I...

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Posted October 9, 2020

Invincible Voices, Higher Education, California

Realities of a UCLA Student

“Why are you in college?” I always answer this question one way: I go to college to get more job opportunities, and most jobs require you to have a college degree. With the high debt that a college education incurs,...

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Posted August 25, 2020

Invincible Voices, Higher Education, California

Our Financial Future is at Risk Without Executive Action

As schools and businesses worldwide have closed in response to COVID-19, many communities have been left in despair. Even before the pandemic, college students were an extremely vulnerable community facing homelessness, food insecurity, and financial hardships. These conditions only worsened...

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Posted August 12, 2020

Invincible Voices, Higher Education, New York

COVID Chronicles: Entering College as a First-Generation Student

When I was still in high school, I never imagined transitioning into college would be such a difficult process for me. Once I finalized my college decision, I thought that would be the end of it, but little did I...

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Posted June 18, 2020

Invincible Voices, Higher Education, National, Texas

Estoy en casa: I’m home

My story is not unique. In many ways, my story is analogous to the stories of hundreds of thousands of immigrants—we move to the U.S. for better opportunities in terms of living, education, and achievement potential. That single phrase that...

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Posted May 28, 2020

Invincible Voices, Higher Education, New York

Student Voices: CUNY ASAP Helped Me Transfer

Nearly two-thirds of students who enter the City University of New York’s (CUNY) four-year colleges are transfer students. Nationwide, we know that transfer students face unique challenges to college completion: students who began in community college are less likely to...

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Posted May 28, 2020

Invincible Voices, Higher Education, New York

My Transfer Process Wasn’t Easy. But Today, I’m Still Graduating

College didn’t seem like an option for me — let alone completing a two-year program and transferring into a four-year program. The idea didn’t seem realistic to me, as I struggled with (and still continue to struggle with) imposter syndrome....

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Posted May 28, 2020

Invincible Voices, Higher Education, New York

The Messy Transfer Process for International Students

Education has always been one of my top priorities ever since I was a kid. Reminded by my parents of their dream to see their three children obtain a college degree has given me enough motivation to keep pushing despite...

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Posted May 28, 2020

Invincible Voices, Higher Education, New York

Even with Advising Support, a Confusing College Transfer Process Added Time to My Degree

I started my degree at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) in 2017, and immediately enrolled in CUNY’s Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP). With the support of my ASAP adviser, I created a plan to stay on track to...

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Posted May 28, 2020

Invincible Voices, Higher Education, New York

Transferring to an Elite School as an First-Generation, Low-Income Student

The concept of studying at an Ivy League school never once entered my mind until I went to LaGuardia Community College (LaGCC). As a first-generation, low-income (FGLI) student, the probability of getting into and studying at an elite university is...

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