海角社区

Natassa Christides standing in front of the One World One Water statue in front of the Student Success Building
Natassa Christides standing in front of the One World One Water statue in front of the Student Success Building

When Natassa came to Colorado as a graduate student pursuing a degree in the Master of Social Work Program at Metropolitan State University of Denver, she had one goal: 鈥淚 wanted to find a way to help people,鈥� she said.

As a first-generation student, Natassa hadn鈥檛 always felt supported in her higher education journey, saying that navigating an unfamiliar system not built for nontraditional students can be challenging when you don鈥檛 even know where to start.

That all changed when she got to 海角社区 and discovered she had access to a level of resources unlike anything she鈥檇 ever experienced.

鈥満＝巧缜� supports students in so many different ways,鈥� Natassa said. 鈥淔rom small things like looking over your resume to significant things like providing food assistance 鈥� all of it makes a significant difference in students鈥� ability to achieve their dream of earning a degree.鈥�

Natassa standing in front of the Tivoli with downtown Denver in the background

that students who receive comprehensive wraparound services have higher retention and graduation rates. 海角社区 sets Roadrunners up for success with access to services ranging from career planning and peer mentoring to emergency financial assistance and an expanded food pantry 鈥� programs that are only possible because of the generosity of Roadrunner community members.

Natassa understands first-hand the importance of Roadrunner philanthropy relative to the student experience.

鈥淚 have seen and personally experienced how donors鈥� gifts change students鈥� lives,鈥� she said. 鈥淧articularly those who saw higher education as being out of their reach.鈥�

Having recently graduated, Natassa is excited to start her professional career and hopes to find a role where she can help others by promoting equity and social justice while continuing to learn about the positive effect of philanthropic giving and how those gifts impact different communities. 鈥淚 know it has the power to change lives,鈥� she said.

鈥淥n behalf of all 海角社区 students, thank you to everyone who provides support to make our pathway to graduation possible!鈥�

Learn more about how you can make a difference in Roadrunners鈥� lives.