Program Update

A Cinderella Story: Lorena Carreto

The Bessie Morris Foundation took the opportunity to catch up with Lorena Carreto, one of the three 2018 winners of the Prom Dream scholarship, which provides assistance to high school students who might not be able to attend their prom with their own resources. Lorena is now studying at Cal State University, Los Angeles.

Sometimes high school can be a challenge. Sometimes there is just a little too much drama.

For Lorena, one of her dreams was to walk into her high school prom radiant and beautiful just like Cinderella and and feel lifted above the drama.

Poof! Enter fairy godmother Ivory Freeman, founder of the Bessie Freeman Foundation and its Prom Dreams program.

“When I was selected as a Prom Dreams winner, I felt very blessed. I could not believe the news! I was excited, and so were my parents.

“I felt like Cinderella the moment I saw myself in the mirror in my prom dress.

“Prom night: Like Cinderella at the ball, no one had a clue who I was at first. At that time, my hair was cut short in a pixie and I never wore makeup. With a swish of a wand – and hair extensions, full makeup, and my beautiful blue dress finished off with the perfect accessories – I felt completely transformed. I’ve never felt so beautiful. I felt like a whole different person.

"The principal and some teachers did not recognize me. Even my own friends had to take a closer look at me because they couldn't believe their eyes. Honestly neither could I. It felt special receiving so many compliments.

“I never would have guessed that my prom night was going to be this great. Dreams really do come true. Thanks to the Bessie Morris Foundation, I was able to have the night of my life. To this day, the memory of the process and prom itself makes me feel full of joy.

“Ivory is an amazing woman. I am grateful to her and the Bessie Morris Foundation for allowing me to experience that wonderful night. I will forever hold on to this blessing given to me,” says Lorena.

Now happily attending California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), Lorena is enjoying the collegiate environment and her experience thus far.

“The workload is more than what I am used to, but it is manageable. College makes me feel more independent and it is helping me mature. Financial aid and class schedules have been challenging, but I have been able to push through and find solutions to these problems.

“College is all about being responsible, learning to be more self-reliant, and putting in the effort to be successful,” says Lorena.

We look forward to hearing more from Lorena and her successes!

November 2018