LYNN — After the passing of both of his parents, Emanuel Graham was faced with the daunting task of applying to college. Graham found support in an unlikely place — at the McDonald’s he works at on Boston Street.
Andrea Delarosa, the assistant manager at the McDonald’s, took Graham under her wing and helped him through the college application process. After months of filling out applications while on breaks, Graham was accepted into University of Massachusetts Lowell.
“It was very nerve-wracking because, honestly, college has been a big situation for me knowing that none of my family has ever made it, so I’d be the first one going. It was very scary for me because I didn’t know what to expect,” said Graham. “For me, it’s a lot. For my whole family, there’s a lot of expectations and to make it to college and to be the first one that goes — it’s like a weight lifted…. Being able to go to college and make something of myself, it really feels special.”
Delarosa, nicknamed “Mama” by the employees, said that helping out was a no-brainer.
“It doesn’t matter which child that [is] working here — if I can do something for any one of them, I’ll do it. Emanuel came in, he was shy… but he was sweet, happy and, and always came in with a smile. The more we grew as a family … the more I learned [about] his experience and what he’s gone through, I decided I would step in and try to help as much as I could,” she said.
Graham described the moment he learned UMass Lowell accepted him.
“I was checking my mail and I just saw the UMass Lowell sign and it said “Congrats…. Welcome,” and for me, I kinda went into tears…. It was a big moment for me knowing that I finally achieved something that my family was having problems at. Finally making a career for myself.”
Learning that Graham got accepted and received a scholarship was emotional for Delarosa.
“I started crying and giving him the biggest bear hug. I was very proud of him. I told him that he can do anything he wants in life and he can achieve his goals — he just has to keep applying himself,” she said.
On Thursday, Delarosa and franchisee Lindsay Wallin hosted a surprise send-off party for Graham. They set up balloons and a table of McDonald’s merch and some UMass gear.
When Graham entered the restaurant, Delarosa scooped him up into a hug. Tears streamed down both of their faces as Delarosa whispered affirmations and congratulations to him.
After Graham and Delarosa composed themselves, Wallin added to the surprise, presenting Graham with gift cards to help pay for school supplies and Delarosa with a check for $1,000 to help her take a vacation.
Graham, who will be studying business and marketing, said that he is most excited about all the opportunities college will offer him.
“I just want to build my knowledge and make companions on the way. Also just be able to prove to myself that I can become whatever I want in life,” he said.
Emma Fringuelli can be reached at [email protected].
