FUHS student Ashley Romo named Gates Millennium Scholar

Fallbrook is proud of its hardworking high school students, but when an extraordinary student arises, recognition comes from more than just Fallbrook. That's the case with Ashley Romo, a Fallbrook Union High School senior who was recently named a Gates Millennium Scholar.

"It's an honor to receive this award," said Romo, who plans on earning a degree in neurobiology at UC Berkeley. "It's a representation of how hard work, determination and focus really pay off."

Romo found out that she had received a scholarship from the Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program on April 18 at approximately 4 p.m. According to the acceptance letter, Romo is a part of a cohort of 1,000 awardees and has been named as a Leader for America's Future"!.

"I absolutely remember when I found out," said Romo. "I was accepted through the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, which helps low income minorities apply for school programs."

Romo has known she wanted to attend a four-year university since the fifth grade, and has worked hard to achieve that goal.

"I knew I wanted to go to college, so I joined the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, then went on to be part of AVID at high school," said Romo. "That just solidified my dream of pursuing higher education. Now I actually enjoy learning; it's fun for me."

While Romo has a sister currently attending Palomar College, she is the first in her family to attend a four year university.

The Gates Millennium scholarship is renewable for Romo's undergraduate degree, but if she were to choose to pursue graduate studies in the fields of computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science, she may be eligible for GMS fellowship funding for master's and doctoral degrees.

In addition, Romo will receive information regarding the GMS freshmen leadership conference, academic empowerment, and additional auxiliary services to enhance her skills and development as a current and future leader.

"This award pretty much means I have a full ride to Berkeley," said Romo. "I am on the pre-med track, and want to go to medical school to become a neurologist or neurosurgeon. Originally, I wanted to be a physician to help the community or to work in impoverished third world countries."

A Fallbrook native, Romo has been highly involved in both extracurricular and academic activities. In addition to carrying a full load of classes, Romo has a part time job at Subway, is a worship leader at Iglesia Cristiana Vid, and is a member of the AAUW (American Association of University Women).

As part of the AAUW program for girls in AVID at FUHS, Romo is grateful to her mentor, Kathy Bierbrauer. In addition, she is thankful for the mentors she has at Fallbrook High, especially Tony Morrow in the college career center and Connie Fellios, her English teacher and AVID coordinator. Romo also thanks her pastor, Ramiro Ruiz, and her parents for their support throughout her school career.

"My parents are also a great encouragement, and they pushed me to go for an opportunity they didn't have," said Romo. "It allows me to realize what a great privilege this is."

Romo's faith in God has truly had an impact on her as well, and she believes that it is because of God that she has been able to accomplish her dreams.

"I'm thankful to God for all the mentors He's provided, and for opening so many opportunities to me," she said.

Romo strongly suggests that sophomores begin to look for scholarships now, and be confident with the application process.

"Never doubt yourself; you'll know if you'll get accepted," she said. "My advice is to have faith in yourself."