August Alumni Spotlight - Chloe Collins

​From the moment Chloe Collins stepped onto her college campus, she knew she wanted to make a difference for others. Chloe was excited to begin her time at Hamline University and she quickly decided to double-major in Psychology and Spanish.
 
However, as many of us, as she began her college journey, Chloe faced several challenges. These included how to balance different types of responsibilities, navigating complex financial aid systems, and paying for college with a limited family income. She said, “Every year,  my costs would increase and the gap I had to cover became bigger.”
 
Fortunately, being a Wallin scholar meant that she had financial support and a network of people to help her reach her goals. In addition to receiving financial aid every semester, Chloe worked closely with her Wallin advisor who helped address her concerns. “My advisor helped me navigate my financial aid, understand my financial aid package, and resolve any gaps.”

Chloe tells us: “I started college very shy. College allowed me to try new things, get involved, and take on leadership opportunities.” Chloe soon became involved with the Black Student Alliance where she built meaningful connections, and found new opportunities. Chloe shared, “College wasn’t just a time for me to learn; it was also a time to unlearn. There was so much I had not been taught as a Black woman."
 
After completing her degree from Hamline,  Chloe pursued a Masters in Social Work at Columbia University.
 
Today, Chloe helps other students access a college education. She serves as a College Access Manager at the Henry Street Settlement in New York. Chloe knows first-hand the challenges students face when working towards their college degree. She is passionate about helping students remove barriers to accessing college and helping more students reach their dream of completing their college education.
 
When asked what she would tell our Wallin scholars, she shared: “You are more amazing than you think you are. You will surprise yourselves in a year when you do something you didn’t even know you were capable of.”

Thank you Chloe for sharing your story with us and being a part of our Wallin EP community!

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