“I gained a lot through summers and Saturdays. I began to understand I could go anywhere I set my mind; I could hone my own creativity, set my own boundaries, and treasure the person I was.”
– Peter Raymond, Scholar Alumnus, Class of 2024, Wake Forest University, Class of 2028
Celebrating National First Gen Day
Today, we’re celebrating National First Gen Day and honoring the successes and achievements of our Scholars, alumni, and families who are defining new generational cycles of promise and prosperity. Breakthrough Miami supports over 500 First Gen Scholars to catch their dreams yearly. Scholars like Peter Raymond.
Introduced to Breakthrough Miami as a fourth grader at Lenora B. Smith Elementary School, Peter was immediately excited and challenged by the program and the promise of getting ahead in life. He fondly recalls Breakthrough Director of Student Achievement, Webber Charles, leading an introductory presentation in the library, and his teacher serving as a critical partner to guide him through the Breakthrough Scholar application process, encouraging Peter to pursue this new invaluable opportunity.
As Peter began his Scholar journey, he recalls feeling a bit overwhelmed at first,
“It was a completely new world… and I realized there was so much more for me to do than I could have ever imagined. There were so many new students from different backgrounds and cultures, it was a foreign space for me – and I was constantly excited. I asked myself, ‘what am I going to do with this opportunity?’
Breakthrough helps you cross economic, cultural, and language barriers and creates a community of people who help themselves and others. Talking to other students at Breakthrough made me realize I didn’t know everything – it made me humble. I have noticed sometimes, in low-income communities, we may have a warped perception about our self-worth. We hold onto our pride and honor, but in fact, this creates barriers. At Breakthrough I realized my pride was not what I needed to hold onto. I allowed myself to learn. And I was surrounded by others who were also learning – and learning how to learn. Breakthrough was the place we connected – we were like brothers and sisters – we can struggle together to achieve together, we can fail, and grow. I got caught up in my own identity sometimes, and it gave me a space to grow- and allowed me to be tendered by people who cared for me. I gained a lot through summers and Saturdays. I began to understand I could go anywhere I set my mind; I could hone my creativity, set boundaries, and treasure the person I was.”
As Peter shares, part of the magic of Breakthrough Miami is being surrounded by older near-peers who were also Scholars.
“It creates a phenomenon like hermit crabs who share their shells with other crabs – helping those behind them – [these Volunteers and Fellows] already know where we’ve been and how to help us – maybe they have our same faith, or financial challenges, or skin tone, and share our commitment. They have done it before us, showing us we can too.”
Beyond the rigorous summer academics, field experiences, and electives, Breakthrough’s school options advising introduced Peter to his vast educational opportunities. Reaching beyond the familiar blocks of Opa Locka, Peter learned about new schools and new opportunities. Through Breakthrough Miami’s school options advising, Peter was introduced to Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, where he would enroll and become an active Wolverine. There, he pursued his academics with vigor and explored new interests, from sports to service, leadership, and travel. Peter reflected upon this new experience,
“So many people [at Belen] were there for me. I was like a seed, and I was given a wealth of resources and support to grow.”
Navigating college applications, financial aid, and scholarship forms, Peter experienced the weight of his family’s expectations resting on his shoulders. His parents, Haitian immigrants who had not completed college, were unfamiliar with the process, and Peter stepped up to guide them through it.
“Breakthrough showed us how to access the resources. They didn’t give us a fish; they taught us to fish – to build the habits, mindset, and skills, get the scholarships, move to higher economic status, and get us and our families to a better life.”
As Peter considered the vast array of post-secondary opportunities, he also faced the genuine concerns of his family. “They were worried I would lose myself and become disconnected from my culture.” He took two college summer programs to get himself and his family acclimated to the idea of distance. As a THRIVE Scholar, Peter visited Amherst and Northwestern to prepare for college.
“My parents were terrified to let me go. It scared me too. But I knew I had to take those steps. I wanted to set an example for my siblings and let them know they could get even farther than me. I wanted to show them what steps they should take. And one of those steps I told them to take was to apply to Breakthrough Miami, and my sister Bella did just that.”
Peter is not just succeeding for himself—he’s leading the way for his family. His two immediate younger siblings, inspired by his path, are excelling at Michael Krop Senior High School in the magnet program and the youngest is on a path to success as well.
“There’s a lot of pressure,” Peter reflects. “Not only am I setting an example for my younger siblings, but I’m also showing my family what’s possible.”
Unquestionably, Peter is shaped by his parents’ strong work ethic and high expectations. He recalls his parents working long hours as a nursing assistant, in fast-food hospitality, and as a mechanic. “My dad often worked around the clock. He sometimes slept at his auto mechanic shop. He worked hard and wanted to make sure we would end up in a better place than they did.” Now, Peter is thriving at Wake Forest University, embracing a whole new environment and slate of opportunities.
“It’s about being open to the experiences and backgrounds others bring to the table. I’ve met so many students who have lived very different lives than I have, and that means I can learn from them, and they have much to learn from me.”
Peter has quickly immersed himself in college life, juggling a full class load, joining a pre-law fraternity, and training in boxing—a continuation of his wrestling discipline from high school. “Boxing has become a way to challenge myself mentally and physically, pushing me to be graceful even in tough situations.”
Through a federal work-study position at the business school, Peter is gaining experience in career services, working with prospective employers, supporting students in identifying internship and job opportunities, conducting data analytics, and coordinating interviews. “It’s setting me up for the future and helping me build a network.”
In the spring, Peter will travel to Ghana, and later in May, he will go to Italy to study immigration, an experience he hopes will expand his worldview and further his understanding of global issues.
Reflecting on how Breakthrough Miami is transformational, Peter shares,
“Breakthrough creates a system of equity, not just equality. We start in different places. For some, we may need to take extra steps – each identity starts you at a different point, and Breakthrough helps you get to the same point – your greatest potential.”
He sees this as one of Breakthrough’s most powerful impacts: leveling the playing field and helping students start from a place of strength, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Peter’s journey is a testament to the impact of the Breakthrough Miami experience to empower first-generation students to create new cycles of opportunity. From his first steps as a Scholar to his ambitious goals in college and beyond, Peter exemplifies the spirit of resilience and aspiration. ♦
First generation families represent the dreams and opportunities that define the cycle of promise in our community. We invite you to join us for Give Miami Day in a movement to give back. A gift of any size not only makes a difference but creates the momentum to inspire others to join you in advancing Miami’s Opportunity Generator.