DREAM Program Counseling and Advising 

I was born in Morelia Michoacan, Mexico. In Mexico, I learned the importance of education since I was not able to get one as a result of poverty and the need to work to support my family. I crossed the border with my mother in 2005 and began to attend school in 6^th grade. Learning the language was easy, but the hard part was adjusting to the culture of this country, especially as an undocumented individual. I began navigating the education system prior to the CA DREAM Act and DACA, so going to college and graduating from college was never in my dreams or goals. However, thanks to my community, counselors and educators I was able to attend Community College, graduate and transfer to UC Berkeley. At UC Berkeley, I graduated with a Bachelor's in Mass Communications/Media Studies. Currently, I am in my third and last year of my Master’s Program in Counseling. I hope to be able to assist you navigate Mt Sac, graduate, and transfer if that is your goal. Please know that I am here for you as I was hired as a resource for you. Please remember, you are not alone in your educational journey, and my office doors will always be open for you!

I was born in Ocotlan, Jalisco Mexico and migrated to the United States at the age of 3. I was raised in East Los Angeles California and attended East Los Angeles College. I earned and Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies from ELAC and transferred to the University of California Santa Cruz where I earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology. Then I earned a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Southern California. I am currently working on my Doctorate of Philosophy in Education at Claremont Graduate University.  I am a first-generation DACAmented student and professional. I am passionate about promoting higher education to immigrant communities because I know that we have the ability to accomplish our dreams despite our immigration status. During my free time I explore southern California by hiking different trails. I also love dancing and reading, both help me stay grounded in my work. 

My name is Maria Rodriguez. I was born in Mexico and raised in the central valley- Reedley. I received my Master's degree in Educational Counseling from USC and hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Intensive Psychology and Minor in Education from UC Santa Cruz. As an undocumented, first-generation student, I faced a myriad of obstacles, such as, poverty, deportation, and inadequate and unequal educational opportunities. Despite these obstacles, I excelled and never lost sight of where I was going and although I feared education, I knew I wanted it more than I feared it. My counseling and teaching philosophy is student centered, holistic based approach. I hope to motivate you to think about your success at Mt SAC and beyond. I warmly invite you to make an appointment with me to learn about each other and how I can further support you with your personal and academic goals.