Outside of school, she runs her own nail business, something she started in eighth grade after experimenting with doing her own nails. What began as a hobby grew through word of mouth into a small entrepreneurial venture, teaching her discipline, confidence, and customer service along the way.
As graduation approaches, the moment feels surreal. She is excited, a little nervous, and ready for change.
Jiliani credits Achievement First Providence High School with preparing her thoughtfully for the college process, from early work on personal statements to guidance on scholarships and financial aid. Having that structure in place, she says, made all the difference.
Acceptance to URI and their Talent Development Program affirm what she has already proven to herself: that preparation matters, perseverance pays off, and the future she has imagined is within reach. Isabella Senzamici • Feb 24, 2026
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For Jiliani Sanchez-Marrero, the milestone represents preparation, perseverance, and a clear path toward a future in criminal psychology.
When Jiliani Sanchez-Marrero opened her acceptance letter from the University of Rhode Island, she felt something she had been working toward for years: reassurance.
The senior at Achievement First Providence High School was not only accepted to URI, but also admitted into the university’s Talent Development Program, a program that serves students with significant educational or financial barriers, offering comprehensive academic and financial support as they transition to college.
“I kind of had a feeling I would get in because I have pretty good grades,” she said. “But seeing the acceptance definitely reassured me.”
For Jiliani, that reassurance matters.
During her sophomore year, she faced a serious health challenge. After being diagnosed with fibromyalgia in middle school, she woke up one morning unable to walk. Though she regained mobility within a month, recovery required ongoing medical appointments, physical therapy, and consistent follow-up care. The financial realities of balancing medical costs with the prospect of college tuition became part of her story and part of her application to the Talent Development Program.
“I’m still going to have to keep up with my appointments,” she explained. “And on top of that, pay for college.”
Knowing that URI offers both accessibility and built-in support has made it a strong contender as she weighs her options. She has applied to 17 colleges and has already been accepted to 14, but URI stands out — not only because it is close to home in Rhode Island, where she has lived since she was young, but because it offers the structure she values as she prepares for this next chapter.
Jiliani plans to study psychology, with a focus on criminology or criminal psychology. Her interest began with a question she has carried for years: what makes a criminal a criminal?
“But not just why,” she said. “More so how to stop it.”
She hopes to one day work alongside the FBI as a criminologist, helping analyze patterns of behavior and prevent crime before it escalates. Courses like Criminal Justice and Civics at AF Providence confirmed that this is the field she wants to pursue.
Last summer, she deepened that interest through an internship at the Rhode Island Judiciary Office. There, she observed firsthand how the legal system operates and how cases move through the courts. The experience made her goals feel tangible and reinforced her desire to work within the justice system, not just study it.
Her growth has not been limited to academics. This year, Jiliani served as varsity captain of the volleyball team, where she learned how to lead with clarity and resilience. “Not everyone’s going to like what you say,” she reflected. “But you have to learn how to work with people.”
Outside of school, she runs her own nail business, something she started in eighth grade after experimenting with doing her own nails. What began as a hobby grew through word of mouth into a small entrepreneurial venture, teaching her discipline, confidence, and customer service along the way.
As graduation approaches, the moment feels surreal. She is excited, a little nervous, and ready for change.
Jiliani credits Achievement First Providence High School with preparing her thoughtfully for the college process, from early work on personal statements to guidance on scholarships and financial aid. Having that structure in place, she says, made all the difference.
Acceptance to URI and their Talent Development Program affirm what she has already proven to herself: that preparation matters, perseverance pays off, and the future she has imagined is within reach.
Outside of school, she runs her own nail business, something she started in eighth grade after experimenting with doing her own nails. What began as a hobby grew through word of mouth into a small entrepreneurial venture, teaching her discipline, confidence, and customer service along the way.
As graduation approaches, the moment feels surreal. She is excited, a little nervous, and ready for change.
Jiliani credits Achievement First Providence High School with preparing her thoughtfully for the college process, from early work on personal statements to guidance on scholarships and financial aid. Having that structure in place, she says, made all the difference.
Acceptance to URI and their Talent Development Program affirm what she has already proven to herself: that preparation matters, perseverance pays off, and the future she has imagined is within reach. 
