Cougar Roberts | The Face of 1,000 Dreams Realized
Not too long ago, something unforgettable happened at The Preuss School UC San Diego. What started as a routine school assembly turned into a life-changing moment for a student named Cougar Roberts.
A Moment of Pure Surprise
As Cougar sat among his classmates, he expected to hear some general information about a local nonprofit which he knew a little about. What he didn’t know was that he was about to be celebrated, recognized, and welcomed into a family of opportunity and support.
When we announced that Cougar had been officially selected as our next sponsorship recipient (and, more significantly, our 1000th ever) his face said it all. Pure shock. A pause. Then the biggest smile you’ve ever seen.
He was a bit overwhelmed with excitement and disbelief. Although a rather quiet and reserved student, his eyes said it all. He lit up with the realization that everything was about to change.
Why It Mattered
Cougar’s story consists of what some may call quiet strength. Packed with resilience, and incredible determination, Cougar was by a single mother who was diagnosed with cancer last year. Cougar has carried more on his shoulders than most teens should ever have to.
Even so, he’s remained focused. on his education, his goals, and his dream of one day becoming a lawyer and attending UC Berkeley.
When we surprised him with the news, he immediately started thinking about what this sponsorship would mean. He can finally buy the school supplies he’d been putting off. He can get the new soccer cleats he needs for his club team. He lit up when he learned that our program includes free academic tutoring among other academic resources - something he had hoped to find help with but didn’t want to ask his mom to pay for.
What’s Next?
While we’re still basking in the joy of this milestone, our work is far from done. This is just the beginning.
With your continued support, we’re ready to reach the next 1,000 students and beyond. Cougar’s moment reminds us why we do what we do. Let’s keep building. Let’s keep changing lives.
Click here to read more on this thought as we look further into what’s on the horizon for A Bridge for Kids and how we plan to build on this momentum.