The BLCI Senior class has been hard at work all year, filling out college, financial aid, and scholarship applications on top of all their regular work. These students have not only earned substantial amounts of federal and university financial aid, but have diligently pursued private scholarship opportunities whenever possible to help subsidize the cost of attending college. We are proud and excited to announce the college plans of the BLCI Class of 2008:
Diana Aguiar
University of San Diego
Intended Major: Sociology
High School: The Preuss School at UCSD
Joined BLCI in: 7th Grade
Diana is very excited to have the opportunity to attend her dream school, University of San Diego. Diana has an extensive background in service work through her church, and has earned commendations for her good grades and leadership. Diana has also been active in her school’s Spanish Literature club, and scored a perfect 800 on her SAT Subject Test in Spanish Language. She hopes to earn a degree in sociology and continue on to receive her Master’s degree in Social Work. Her goal of becoming a social worker to better the lives of children stems from her passion for helping others and giving back to the community.
Erohemir Benitez
UC Santa Cruz 
Intended Major: Environmental/Civil Engineering, Environmental Studies
High School: Clairemont High School
Joined BLCI in: 7th Grade
Erohemir looks forward to jumping in to college level work at UC Santa Cruz. He is excited that he will graduate with high academic honors at his high school. Erohemir is excited to begin studying his passion for the environment in college. His plans include earning a degree in environmental engineering in order to develop new ways to build structures with sensitivity to the environment. He is a student with the Academy of Business and Technology at Clairemont HS, a volunteer for many BLCI sponsored events, and a leader at Outdoor Outreach activities. Erohemir is a recipient of the Cal-SOAP Scholarship.
Erika Chavez
Loyola Marymount University
Intended Major: Secondary Education, History
High School: The Preuss School at UCSD
Joined BLCI in: 10th Grade
Erika’s goal of becoming a history teacher in inner-city schools led her to choose Loyola Marymount University’s teacher education program. Erika was drawn to the program because it offers her the chance to earn a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and a teaching credential all in a rigorous five-year program. In high school, Erika earned many honors including the Principal’s Honor Role for multiple semesters, and won first place in the school science fair twice. She also held an internship at the UCSD Stein Institute for Research on Aging.
Jazzmin Estrella
San Diego State University 
Intended Major: Kinesiology
High School: Mater Dei Catholic High School (formerly Marion Catholic)
Joined BLCI in: 5th Grade
Jazzmin will be pursuing kinesiology at San Diego State in the fall. Jazzmin hopes to become a certified physical therapist. In high school, Jazzmin has been active in the Pro-Life Club, Campus Ministry, and the Commissioner of Public Affairs in Associated Student Body. She currently enjoys her part-time job at a funeral home, where she supports and comforts families. She hopes to continue her job there through college. Her dedication to her schoolwork, job, and involvement in leadership roles on her campus have set a solid foundation for Jazzmin to excel in college.
Eugenia Gomez
Bates College 
Intended Major: International Business
High School: High Tech High, International
Joined BLCI in: 7th Grade
Eugenia is the first BLCI student to attend college in Maine, and is excited to do so. She is eager to share her experience as a Latina from San Diego with her fellow students, as well as learn from their different backgrounds. Eugenia hopes to pursue a degree in law, as she has a passion for seeking justice in her community. Eugenia is actively involved with the San Diego Youth Swim Team, and is the 12 th grade ASB class senator at her school. During high school, Eugenia visited Italy and Japan with her school which sparked her interest in international travel and hopes to study abroad in college.
Brian Gonzalez
CSU Monterey Bay 
Intended Major: Biology
High School: The Preuss School at UCSD
Joined BLCI in: 7th Grade
Brian is very eager to begin his studies in scenic Monterey, CA. Throughout high school, Brian has been a dedicated and involved student. In addition to remaining focused on his studies, Brian has participated in Outdoor Outreach field trips, collaborated on creating a documentary about Barrio Logan, and held a part time job at Qualcomm stadium. He has spent the last year volunteering at the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility, a perfect opportunity since he plans on becoming a veterinarian one day. Brian is a recipient of the Bank of America Community Leaders Award.
Brianda Hernandez
St. Mary's College of California 
Intended Major: Business
High School: Pt. Loma HS
Joined BLCI in: 11th Grade
Brianda is thrilled to be attending her first choice college in Moraga, California. She first fell in love with the campus as a junior during the annual BLCI Bay Area College Tour. Brianda has been an active member of the community for years, involved in educational projects with National City Councilman Luis Natividad, and creating an organization with her mother to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens in Tijuana. Brianda would like to study business, and interested in creating her own non-profit organization one day. Brianda is a recipient of the Cal-SOAP scholarship.
Dulce Carolina Lopez
CSU Channel Islands 
Intended Major: Undecided
High School: High Tech High International
Joined BLCI in: 5th Grade
Dulce Carolina chose CSUCI because she loves its size and location near the beach in beautiful Ventura County. She is interested in pursuing her interests in criminal justice through her studies in college. Dulce Carolina has spent her high school years involved in many activities such as Hermanitas, tutoring middle school math, as well as working part-time at Starbucks. Her hard work has paid off and she looks forward to the new challenges that college brings.