Millbrook grad with Ivy League future earns high honors

The Colombia immigrant’s grades, activities and displays of leadership helped to earn her special scholarships and acceptance at one of the most prestigious universities in the country — Yale.

Marin remembers beginning her college application process early last September. Her plan for a successful academic senior year included the closure provided by a large graduation ceremony with all the friends she had made at Millbrook.

However, due to COVID-19 restrictions and the early closing of on-campus classes, that end-of-school year celebration was canceled.

"I was a little disappointed, obviously, because I had been looking forward to graduating since the beginning of the school year," Marin said.

Marin’s grades put her in the top 1% of her class, and she scored better than 99% of those who took the ACT. The high scores, along with her school activities and faculty recommendations, left her with her pick of colleges.

It was not an easy decision.

"It was really hard for a while there," Marin said. "My top two were Brown and Yale."

Marin revealed her decision to family and friends with a photograph of her wearing a Yale T-shirt and holding a Yale pin.

"I ended up choosing Yale because I felt it was better for me academically and socially," she said.

Marin and her family moved to North Carolina from Colombia just five years ago.

Additionally, Marin was among only 300 in the U.S. chosen for the Bill and Melinda Gates scholarship program. The scholarship program states that their scholars "receive funding for the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution."

"I can’t wait to get on campus. I hope that we’re going to get in in the fall, but I just don’t know," she said.

Marin credits her academic success to the support of her teachers, friends and family.