Malaki Cuevas

Malaki Cuevas’s journey is one defined by resilience, responsibility, and a powerful sense of purpose.

During his senior year of high school, Malaki was already balancing more than most students. As the oldest of three in a single-parent household, he stepped into a leadership role at home, working part-time, helping cover household expenses, and ensuring his younger siblings had what they needed to succeed. At the same time, he was achieving academically, earning acceptances to multiple colleges, including The College of New Jersey through the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program.

Despite these accomplishments, the weight of financial uncertainty and family responsibilities led Malaki to make the difficult decision to delay his college enrollment. Choosing to stay home and support his family, he entered the workforce in search of stability. However, the challenges of finding full-time employment with only a high school diploma became a turning point. Through that experience, Malaki gained clarity. He recognized that his long-term goals, and his ability to support his family, would be best achieved through higher education. With renewed determination, he made the decision to refocus on his future and take the next step toward college.

Today, Malaki is proud to share that he has been accepted to Rowan University, where he will be enrolling and majoring in mathematics. This next step reflects not only his hard work, but also a powerful shift in mindset, one grounded in self-belief, ambition, and the understanding that investing in himself is the most impactful way to uplift those around him. Malaki’s story is a testament to growth, perseverance, and the courage to choose your future, even when the path isn’t easy. We are proud to support him on this journey and excited for what lies ahead.