Online voting could net Addison man college cash

Alfonso Rogel was wrestling with the idea of going back to college when fate intervened.

While surfing MiGente.com -- a social networking Web site geared toward Latinos -- the 25-year-old Addison man learned about a contest offering the winner $10,000 toward higher education.

As part of DeVry University's "Mi Gente Con Mente" national essay contest, Rogel submitted 750 words on the value of higher education and its importance to the Latino community.

"It was perfect timing, really," Rogel said. "I felt that it applied to me directly. And I'm a good writer, so I felt good talking about it."

After DeVry officials read hundreds of submissions, they named Rogel as one of 10 finalists and awarded each finalist $1,000.

But to win the top prize, Rogel is counting on the support of family, friends and strangers.

Voters will determine who earns the $10,000 by reading the essays and submitting votes through Sunday at the Web site www.migente.com/devry.

Of course, Rogel is honored to be a finalist, but he hopes his words will carry him to the top.

"When I learned I made it, I was ecstatic," he said. "I knew I had a pretty good chance because, honestly, I liked the paper I wrote. I felt it was honest and sincere."

And, nowadays, Rogel's college plans are clear.

Early this month he enrolled at DeVry to major in electronics, engineering and technology.

"Ten thousand dollars is a serious thing, so I've been telling everybody to vote" Rogel said. "It would help with school a lot."

The contest winner will be announced the week of Oct. 8. Other area finalists were Denisse Castro and Amanda Gonzalez, both of Chicago.