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  • Essay / The Importance of Social Capital - 1153

    Cecilia's English teacher and mentor, Ms. Shelton, introduced her to Ms. Abby. Ms. Abby has hosted workshops and provided academic advising to students in the local community. She was a valuable asset in Cecilia's college application process, allowing her to accumulate cultural capital in the same way as Miranda: Interviewer: How did your school prepare you for the application process at university? Cecilia: Um, it was outside of school. So, like we had very, very few advisors, so I went out on my own and looked. Like my English teacher told me to go to the Boys and Girls Club and a lady there… who was a counselor – she retired – had like a program. Like she'll help you with your applications and kind of like she's letting you know everything you need to do to prepare for college. So everything that happened in college happened outside of school. Through the social capital activated by her relationship with Ms. Shelton, Cecilia was able to accumulate additional social and cultural capital, allowing her to secure opportunities. Cecilia remains in contact with Ms. Abby and informed me during our interview that she would meet with her the following day to