LINDENHURST, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — A lucky 15-year-old on Long Island who recently got vaccinated against COVID-19 now no longer has to worry about paying for college.
Natalia Low, of Lindenhurst, is part of the second-round winners of the state’s “Get A Shot to Make Your Future” campaign.
She and nine other teens throughout the country got vaccinated and were selected randomly to receive a full scholarship to any New York public college or university – including full room and board.
“I did not know that I would be able to get this opportunity to have a scholarship – a free scholarship,” Low told WCBS 880.
The 15-year-old says she did not even know that she was entered for a chance to win the scholarship when she got her vaccine and was completely shocked when her mother told her she was named one of the winners on Thursday.
“I didn't even know until my mom told me,” Low said. “She woke me up one day and said, ‘You won, you won!’”
The scholarships are being paid for by the state of New York using federal COVID-19 relief and outreach funds, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
First-round winners hailed from Albany, Bronx, Clinton, Monroe, Nassau, Onondaga, Ontario, Queens and Westchester Counties.
Gov. Cuomo, when announcing the first winners, said the initiative will provide peace of mind for students and for their families, knowing they will not have to worry about paying for higher education.
Low’s mother agrees, saying feels extremely fortunate that the teen was selected.
“I see it as a blessing and I see it as her opportunity to be able to pay it forward,” Low’s mother said.
The 15-year-old says she wants to be a nurse to help others, just like those who helped her mother when she was battling breast cancer three years ago, and those currently helping her father fight the disease.
“My dad is going through chemo, he can't work right now so it's very hard,” Low said.
The 15-year-old’s sister is also a current SUNY student, and says she feels her sister is incredibly lucky.
“I don't think she understands how life changing this is her for sure, since she won't have to pay for bills or have a loan to pay back,” the teen’s sister said.
Other second-round winners included Ella Campbell, of Erie County; Emily Ghim, of Queens; Jayce Leclere, of Westchester County; Reed Livoti, Westchester County; Liam Murphy, of Manhattan; Carrie Ng, of Brooklyn; Jack Szydlo, of Monroe County; Jasmine Thalon, of Nassau County; and Isabella Wolcott, of Steuben County.
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