COVINA, CA – Covina High School senior Terran Li will bring her unique skills, passions, and goals to Columbia University in the fall after receiving a full-ride scholarship to the prestigious school.

Columbia University granted the income-based scholarship to Li after she applied Early Decision to the university. Li’s experience in the Alexander Hamilton Scholars program, which provides high-achieving and underserved students with a comprehensive network of support and guidance as they transition from high school to college, provided her with resources to apply to prestigious universities like Columbia.

“It’s just a huge weight off my shoulders to be accepted to Columbia and receive this scholarship,” Li said. “I’m a big city girl and I love how Columbia students are so forward-thinking and future-oriented. I think my values align with Columbia’s and I know I’ll fit right in there.”

Li plans to double major in economics and psychology, with hopes of one day becoming a lawyer or professor. Li said she is also excited to get involved with the Columbia Daily Spectator, the university’s student-run newspaper that reports on topics regarding the school’s community.

At Covina High School, Li has been heavily involved in her school’s Associated Student Body (ASB), where she currently serves as the director of media. It was through this position Li was able to further explore her passion for journalism, as she interviewed students and showcased them on the ASB’s social media account as a “Colt Spotlight.”

Li has also been involved in numerous service-based clubs on campus, including being president of Key Club and the founding president of National Honor Society, and has taken many Advanced Placement classes.

“Covina High School contributed to my success in a big way,” Li said. “My teachers have always really cared about me and have offered unending support through my time in the Alexander Hamilton Scholars program and in my application process to Columbia. I know they will continue to cheer me on through this next chapter of my life.”

In her free time, Li said she enjoys reading, especially mystery novels, hanging out with friends, and exploring her love of music at concerts.

“Terran has demonstrated outstanding leadership and a dedication to academic excellence in her time at Covina High School and through the Alexander Hamilton Scholars program,” Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Eminhizer said. “It is incredible to see Covina-Valley Unified scholars earning full-ride scholarships to such prestigious universities, and there is no doubt Terran will continue to be an exemplary representation of our District at Columbia University.”

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CVUSD_TERRAN: Covina High School senior Terran Li has received a full-ride scholarship to Columbia University through the Alexander Hamilton Scholars program. Li plans to double major in financial economics and psychology and to get involved with the Columbia Daily Spectator, the university’s student-run newspaper.