When I first visited UNCW, I saw students relaxing in hammocks between the trees. It reminded me of El Salvador — of home. That simple moment told me I had found the right place.
My name is Olga Isabelle Romero Zelaya. I’m 18 years old, a rising junior, and the first in my family to attend college. I grew up in Cary, North Carolina, after my family moved from El Salvador in search of new opportunities. I graduated from high school at 16 while working full-time to help support my family of eight.
At UNCW, I’ve embraced every opportunity. I’ve mentored high school students and volunteered at a local elementary school, helping children learn English. I’ve conducted research on community resources in El Salvador and presented my findings at a national conference. One of my most meaningful experiences was interning with the Wilmington Police Department under Chief Alejandra Sotelo ’00, where I trained with SWAT and CSI teams. These hands-on experiences have shaped my studies in criminology and international studies, as well as my minors in forensic science and Spanish.
This past year was the hardest I’ve faced — but also the most life-changing. My family was struggling, and I was balancing 18 credit hours, full-time work, mentoring, and research. Then, everything shifted. My dad and brother found work again, and I was able to replace my broken laptop through the generosity of UNCW’s donors. That gesture wasn’t just about the money — it was a reminder that I wasn’t alone. It gave me strength, encouragement, and hope.
In the spring, I was honored to share my story at the 2025 Scholarship Celebration. I didn’t expect much of a reaction, but the kindness I received that night overwhelmed me. I was one of the last to leave, standing in awe as people came up to me with encouragement and warmth.
I never imagined someone like me — young, first-generation, Latina — could hold a room like that. But your belief in me changed everything.
That night, I called my dad. I usually call my mom first, but this time, I wanted him to hear it. Through tears, I told him that strangers saw something in me worth supporting. He stayed quiet, holding back his own tears. For the first time, he truly understood what I’ve been working toward — and why it matters.
Since then, I’ve planned a study abroad trip to Costa Rica, prepared for more research in El Salvador, and started applying for a semester in Morocco. I’m also proud to share that this fall, I will complete a Research Fellowship — funded through CSURF — as part of my Honors thesis work.
As a scholarship recipient, your support means more than you know. You’ve invested in me not just as a student, but as a daughter, a mentor, and a young woman chasing a future that once felt out of reach.
Thank you for helping me build a future full of purpose and possibility.
Learn more about how you can support scholarships and help students like Olga reach their full potential.