Dorentina is an Albanian-American first-generation college student, and proud eldest daughter of refugees who came to America in 1999, escaping the war in Kosova. She was raised in a working class family, with parents who worked tirelessly to ensure that she and her siblings were given a life with greater opportunities than they had. Dorentina says, “This may sound a bit cliche, but my story and purpose truly does begin with my family. Their story and their perseverance continues to be my greatest motivation. They are my biggest supporters, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them by my side cheering me on every step of the way.”

Dorentina says the turning point in her life was when she was accepted into the Young Scholars program in 2014. She says, “I still vividly remember being in Art class in 8th grade when Maria Santos (a Social Worker for YSLPP at the time) pulled me out of class and told me I had been selected. Going home to my parents and giving that news is one of the most memorable days of my life.”

Dorentina credits Young Scholars LPP for helping her realize her goals. She says, “Because of the Young Scholars program, I had the opportunity to become the first in my family to attend college and obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Management with a concentration in Human Resources and Minor in Psychology here at Utica University! They provided all of the resources I needed to overcome any barriers to success, especially in the college application process which can be very tough to navigate. It is also amazing to see the ripple effect that Young Scholars has on students’ families. With the resources that I was given, I was able to pass that information along to help my siblings through the college and career application processes.”

Dorentina has served in a variety of roles with the program upon graduating high school! She says “I was a work-study student in the YS office up until May of 2022, when I completed my undergraduate degree. Before commencement, I had already enrolled for my Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) here at UticaU, and was then provided the opportunity to work with Young Scholars as a Site Assistant at the Proctor High School Site before transitioning into my new role as Assistant Director in January of 2023. Everything that I know now I learned from both Pamela Matt, the Executive Director, and Mary Hayes Gordon, the Director of Program Operations at YSLPP. I thank them both for seeing the potential in me and helping push me out of my comfort zone. Their passing down of knowledge and guidance set me on the path to pursuing my passion, which led me back to where it had been all along- here at Young Scholars!”

When asked about how it feels to be the first Alum in Young Scholars history to hold a senior leadership role in the program, Dorentina says, “Our motto has always been to ‘Grow Big Dreams’-and that is exactly what this program allowed me to do. To say that Young Scholars has completely transformed my life is an understatement. As a Young Scholars Alum, I have always recognized and admired the value that this organization brings to our community and the tremendous impact that this program along with our team has on our student’s lives, including myself. To be able to give back to the program, and have the opportunity to play a role in our student’s lives by helping and watching them ‘Grow Big Dreams’ is a surreal experience that I am honored to have.”

We are so excited to see what the future holds for Dorentina as a Young Scholars professional!

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