Gaby Moreno is a Boston-based Salvadoran-American artist who aspires to be an art therapist at a children’s hospital.

Moreno is an Artward Bound alumna and like many of her peers, she is also a first-generation college student.

When she enrolled at MassArt she found support through the Academic Compass Program, which connects and supports undergraduate students with mentors, faculty, and staff. Through these programs, Moreno has found a sense of belonging and support. 

“My favorite thing about MassArt has to be the community, because the people are from everywhere,” says Moreno, “I don’t feel alone. I don’t feel like an outsider. Everyone is different and we all accept that. That’s beautiful. You don’t see that everywhere.”

Like most MassArt undergraduate students, Moreno also receives critical financial support. “Having this scholarship,” she notes, “is an opportunity, but it’s also a dream come true. If it wasn’t for it, I don’t think I’d be here.”