Brianna Roach ’26 always knew she would be responsible for funding her own education. Growing up in Lisbon Falls, Maine, her father’s ongoing medical challenges meant her mother was the family’s sole provider, working to support four children.
“At first, I didn’t think I’d be able to go to college,” said Bri Roach. “When I visited Thomas, we went over what my bill would look like, and I was surprised to see how much it dropped thanks to the scholarships they offered. It was still going to be a challenge, but I was determined to make it work. What made Thomas stand out was how supportive they were in helping me find additional scholarships and financial resources to make my education affordable. That level of care and willingness to help made me realize Thomas was the right place for me.”
Now a senior psychology major, Bri has thrived at Thomas. She’s gained leadership experience, expanded her photography portfolio, and built strong professional connections, one of which led to an opportunity as a sports photographer with the Portland Sea Dogs.
“Thomas has given me the tools, confidence, and experiences to build the future I once only dreamed about — a dream I never thought I could achieve. Thomas has truly helped me meet my goals and turn my dreams into reality. It gave me a future, a future full of possibilities,” she said.
Over time, Bri learned to balance hard work with gratitude for the support that made her education possible.
“I had started out believing I wouldn’t be able to afford to attend a private college or earn my bachelor’s degree, but now I’m set to graduate on time with minimal financial burden, thanks to scholarships. I’ve even been able to start paying off my student loans while working two jobs. The financial and emotional support I’ve received through scholarships has truly made my education possible and allowed me to focus on achieving my goals,” she said.
To the donors who helped make that possible, Bri offers heartfelt thanks:
“I want to sincerely thank you for supporting me financially and helping me achieve my goals and dreams. I never imagined I’d be able to succeed the way I have, and without your generosity, I wouldn’t be graduating with honors. Your support through giving scholarships to students like me made it possible for me to focus on my academics instead of worrying about how to afford school. Without it, I would have had to work even more hours, making it much harder to stay on top of my studies. Thank you for taking off that financial burden and giving me the opportunity to reach my full potential.”
Despite the challenges, Bri continued to persevere—balancing multiple jobs, running her own business, and completing an internship.
“I’ve learned that this is my journey, and even when there are bumps in the road, I have the strength to persevere. There were times when I felt like I had no one else, but I always had my Thomas family. Their encouragement and belief in me have truly changed my life and given me the confidence to keep pushing forward,” she said.
This story was originally published in the Fall 2025 Thomas Magazine & Annual Report. View the full magazine.