PARENT
Edith Gutierrez
STUDENT
Alexandra and Luis
CLASS OF
2012 and 2016
PROGRAM
La Vida Scholars, Lynn
Learning how to cover hidden costs for college.
Why Inversant
Edith Gutierrez always knew she wanted the best education for her kids but wasn’t sure what steps to take to get them there. Saving for college was also something she had not really thought about. She joined the Inversant family when her daughter Alexandra joined our partner La Vida Scholars in Lynn. After Alexandra graduated in 2012, Edith continued the program with her son Luis also through La Vida Scholars. “I enjoy the workshops I attend every month, it teaches me how to help my kids throughout the college process. I learned about different scholarships, applications I had to fill out like the FAFSA and deadlines for all these.”
Lessons Learned: Filing FAFSA
One of the biggest lessons Edith has learned is that there are many hidden costs when it comes to college, including enrollment and first-year student fees, as well as books and other materials. “I didn’t have any idea how the college process looked like. With Alexandra, I learned that I needed to save money for college expenses that are not covered with tuition.” Edith has also learned about the importance of filing for FAFSA in order to cover some of these hidden costs. As Luis heads off to college this fall, she has even more knowledge of what costs to expect.
Takeaway
Edith is happy to report that both of her children are succeeding in their goal for a higher education. Alexandra has made the Dean’s List at Salem State for the last two semesters and was nominated for the Honor Society. She has applied to graduate school for Social Work and is waiting on decision letters. Luis has received acceptances to Salem State, University of New Hampshire, Lesley University and Stonehill College. However, he plans to study electrical engineering at UMass Boston. We’re very excited to see all of the successes of the Gutierrez family and we are happy to have been a part of it!