The Foundations of East Chicago (FEC) offers college scholarships to East Chicago students every year to give them the chance to follow their dreams, whatever they may be. Julian Camacho, who received his FEC scholarship in 2015, is doing just that.
Julian has always loved film. When it was time for him to graduate from East Chicago Central High School, he knew he wanted to continue his education to follow his passion. However, his journey on to Full Sail University to study film would be emotionally and financially draining.
“Leaving to attend college over 1,100 miles away was emotionally tough for both my family and myself,” recalls Julian.
The family coped by understanding that the opportunities that Julian would have from making this sacrifice would be well worth it.
Several different expenses came with attending school so far away. Students must pay for housing, out-of-state tuition fees, and travel expenses to go home for holidays and summer break, just to name a few. This is where FEC was able to help out Julian and his family.
“Receiving the FEC scholarship has made a great impact on me being able to attend college in a way that helped defray the financial burden that not only I, but also my parents, had to prepare for,” said Julian. “The contribution that FEC made has really helped me in obtaining my Bachelor’s degree.”
Julian participated in an accelerated program and was able to complete his degree in May 2017, just two years after starting. During his time at Full Sail, Julian had many unique experiences that worked to prepare him for a career in the film industry and have helped to inform his future path.
“My college experience has been one of a kind. I’ve gotten hands-on with the latest technologies, listened to guest speakers such as producers/directors sharing their story, and had industry professionals teaching me what it takes to make it in the film industry,” explained Julian. “I hope to one day be a guest speaker myself, to share my story with all the future leaders of East Chicago.”
To learn more about scholarship recipients like Julian, visit www.FoundationsEC.org.
