Mary Frances Clarke Scholarship Recipient: Vivian Garcia Cruz

The Mary Frances Clarke (MFC) Scholarship is awarded to women in need of financial assistance to achieve their educational goals. Each year since 2018, BVM Mary (Patricia) Nolan has recommended Vivian Garcia Cruz. Vivian, a DACA student, has been able to complete her studies with the help of the MFC Scholarship. Throughout the years of support, Mary and Vivian have created a lasting friendship and share their story in the interview below.

Vivian Garcia Cruz was three years old when her mother came to the United States from Mexico to be reunited with her husband who was living and working in St. Louis. There, Vivian attended St. Cecilia School and Academy and Rosati-Kain, an all girls’ Catholic high school.

Mary: What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Vivian: When I was younger, I really wanted to be a lawyer who worked with families. I saw women lawyers as influential figures who worked hard to make changes in the lives of many. However, as I got older, I started exploring counseling as a career and felt it is best aligned with my values as a young professional.

Vivian wondered if she might be able to continue her education. She dreamed about being the first in her family to graduate from college. Since Vivian’s family had no extra money, she decided to take out a loan and enroll in the community college in St. Louis. She was highly  motivated to learn but was not challenged there. Disappointed in her classes, Vivian decided to pursue other options. They would require financial aid and/or a scholarship.

Mary: What led you to apply for a scholarship at Fontbonne University in St. Louis?
Vivian: When I was a senior in high school, I was accepted to Fontbonne University, but I decided not to pursue it due to poor judgment and low self-esteem. I thought I was not deserving of attending a four-year university. I suffered from imposter syndrome, until one day, I realized I worked hard all four years of high school, so why not?

Mary: When you interviewed for the Fontbonne scholarship, what did you share about yourself that helped them decide in your favor?
Vivian: I just filled out the application and waited for a call back. The school gave me their financial aid scholarship, and The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis gave me a small loan. But, there was  still a $3,200 gap I had to fulfill every semester.

It was at this point in her story, that Sister Concha DeLaCruz, SL, a family friend of Vivian’s, invited me to meet Vivian and talk about ways to continue  her dream of becoming a college graduate. I learned that Vivian decided to live at home to save expenses and help out her family, as needed. She also found a part-time job. Her counselor helped her focus on the courses needed to pursue a major in social work with a combination of art therapy . . . a course unique to Fontbonne.

Mary: Can you tell us about your course work and your cultural interactions with campus issues: DACA? Immigration?
Vivian: Being a young woman of color with DACA status has allowed me to bring a unique perspective to everything that I do. Being in the social work department I was able to learn from others but also educate my future colleagues about critical issues in our society. I was truly blessed to be able to be in such a supportive and open community.

Mary: I suspect that one of the biggest challenges of pursuing your dream/degree was COVID-19. How did the pandemic affect you and your family and your studies?
Vivian: The pandemic affected me and my family financially, physically, and emotionally. We all contracted the virus in the summer of 2020. We were isolated from one another, and it was a  challenging time. I had to drop my summer class because I physically could not do it. So, in the fall, I had the summer class, my senior level classes, a part-time job, and a 400-hour practicum. I prayed often, asked for help when I needed it, and thankfully everything worked out. I did graduate!

I continued to be impressed with Vivian’s desire for learning and willingness to keep working toward her dream. Vivian received our Mary Frances Clarke Scholarship each year and grant assistance from the Sisters of Loretto. She tried to practice the BVM core values of freedom, education, charity, and justice as she worked toward her degree. She achieved her dream and celebrated graduation in May 2021.

Mary: How does it feel to be employed as a licensed social worker at St. Cecilia, your alma mater?
Vivian: Going from a young student with emotional needs to now being a counselor providing emotional support is so fulfilling. It is a 360-degree moment. I enjoy working with the students.

Mary: What would you like to say in gratitude for all the gifts and blessings these past four years?
Vivian: I have had many doors shut in my face without people knowing my story or my aspirations. There have been times in my life when I have been ready to give up. It gave me peace of mind knowing I had an opportunity to pay my tuition and go to school each year. I am extremely grateful for the sisters who believed in me and my dreams. They are a constant reminder to keep going and to remember that there are people in my corner rooting for my success.

About the author: Mary Nolan, BVM volunteers at St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis and is a former member of the Ministry Focus Committee.