I’m originally from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and moved to the States with my mom and brother when I was 2 years old. My mother did not speak English when we arrived, so I taught myself the language by watching cartoons. Once I was old enough, I enrolled in public schools in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I graduated from Mariana Bracetti Academy, a charter school for Hispanic kids.
I got involved at a young age with a non-profit called Beat the Streets Philadelphia. It’s an organization that introduces kids to the sport of wrestling and offers academic/career counseling as a way of keeping kids off the streets. They helped me to achieve tremendous success on the mat, introduced me to great role models, and opened doors for me that were otherwise unimaginable. My experience with Beat the Streets gave me the confidence to go to college.
I didn’t go directly from high school to Bridgewater. I first spent a few semesters at a community college closer to home. It allowed me to save tons of money, boost my grade point average (GPA), and earn credits that were transferable to a four-year college. The credits were accepted at Bridgewater, which made my overall college expenses much more manageable.
During my time here at Bridgewater, I was a varsity wrestler competing against other university athletes from across the Northeast. I can honestly say that being a student-athlete has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The things I’ve learned in the classroom and the friends I’ve made on the mat have made me a better person.
I’m now focused on giving back. I volunteer with Beat the Streets to support the organization that believed in me when no one else did. I’m an assistant coach for the BSU Wrestling team to continue to build the program that supported me while earning my degree. I’m also working as an admission counselor and diversity recruitment coordinator to hold the door of opportunity open for others like me who want to go to college and have a better life.
I’m here for you and know that us BSU BEARS have your back!
Edwin Morales, ’23
Admission Counselor & Diversity Recruitment Coordinator
Bridgewater State University
e2morales@bridgew.edu
508.531.2468
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