The moment Giuli Capparelli Sanabria received the G. Wayne Clough Tech Promise Scholarship, Georgia Tech’s need-based scholarship, is one that she still gets emotional over nearly two years later.
Surrounded by her lifelong friends on her senior year spring break trip to Florida, Capparelli Sanabria read aloud the email announcing her selection for the scholarship.
“I’m telling my closest friends that this email I just got said my financial need was fully covered. I couldn’t even comprehend it, but when I read that aloud, the car just erupted in cheers,” she said. “They were so happy for me. It was such a warm moment for me.”
As someone who had learned to be wary of financial aid offers from the institutions she had applied to, Capparelli Sanabria was initially skeptical. However, when she later explained the offer to her mom, it began to sink in.
“My mom just immediately started crying happy tears, she was so excited for me,” said Capparelli Sanabria. “I could tell it was a relief because her mindset had always been that I should pursue what I want, and she would find a way to make it happen. Tech Promise meant she wouldn’t have to stress about it.”
Journey to Tech
Capparelli Sanabria, from Johns Creek, Georgia, grew up aware of Tech, and was fascinated by the Institute’s commitment to going above and beyond to promote progress.
“Everybody here is so driven,” said Capparelli Sanabria. “Everyone has the same mindset about academics, and that same focus on innovation. That culture is something that drew me in.”
When it came time to apply for college, Tech was easily at the top of the list. Other colleges were on her list as a means of exploring financial aid offerings, since Capparelli Sanabria was aware she would need to be savvy about funding her undergraduate degree.
She is now working towards her dream of becoming a veterinarian as a second-year biology major, something she’s had her heart set on since she began an internship in high school at a veterinary clinic.
For her, veterinary medicine is the perfect place to combine a lifelong love of medicine and animals. Though the work is difficult at times, Capparelli Sanabria finds it to be the perfect expression of key parts of her identity.
“What distinguishes an animal lover from someone who can do veterinary work is that love for medicine and science, too,” she said. “I am someone whose love is constantly protruding into my visible identity – I can never stop talking about scientific research; I’ve got cat stickers everywhere; I love Grey’s Anatomy – this is who I am.”
Giving Back
Another essential part of Capparelli Sanabria’s identity is giving back, which she dutifully expresses in her role as secretary on the Tech Promise Student Ambassador Board and other roles on campus.
“I grew up in a privileged community as a financially underprivileged student,” said Capparelli Sanabria. “And that experience combined with Tech Promise means it’s really important for me to do what I can to help other students who struggle financially.”
The Tech Promise Ambassador Board, formed in 2023, hopes to increase awareness of the Tech Promise scholarship on campus and among prospective students, and to destigmatize financial need. They’re also working to give back to the Atlanta community, especially through working with local Title 1 schools.
On top of her involvement in stewarding the continued progress and service of the Tech Promise Program, Capparelli Sanabria is also a teaching assistant for a biological principles course at Tech. In this role, she enjoys assisting students with a passion for biology to build their understanding of the content and explore biological research.
“It’s amazing to see people get so excited about the information, and to share that excitement,” said Capparelli Sanabria. “And something I didn’t realize I’d appreciate so much is that teaching ingrains the information into your brain – through helping others, I’ve really been able to retain the content.”
Beyond academics and Tech Promise, Capparelli Sanabria is active in the veterinary medicine club at Tech, as well as Phi Mu, a sorority on campus. She was also able to study abroad at Georgia Tech–Europe over the summer, where she visited 19 European cities.
Contribute Today to Transform Tomorrow
Experiences like Giuli’s were made possible by contributions to Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech. Thanks to the support of alumni and friends, this comprehensive campaign is bringing unparalleled advancements to the Institute and building a foundation to support our students, advance our research and innovation, enhance our campus and our community, and expand our impact at home and around the world. To learn more and support the campaign, visit https://transformingtomorrow.gatech.edu/
