What is your hometown? Ord Bend, CA

What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? Sonoma State University - B.A., Humanistic Psychology

What motivated you to go to college? Seeing my parents working as farm workers in extreme weather year-round and experiencing the hardships and sacrifices they made gave me the motivation to work hard and earn a higher degree.

Describe your college experience as first-generation. Being the first in my family to move away from home and attend college, I was unsure, felt out of place and did not know where to go for answers. It was difficult to find my place in an unknown environment with no support system.

What unique challenges did you face? Not being fluent was an obstacle and I had to work real hard to get over. I put the time in and got over my insecurities to master the English language and feel confident.

How did you overcome those challenges? Through the advice of an EOP Counselor, I was guided, encouraged and given the support to find the confidence in my abilities to accomplish whatever I set out to do.

What did you advise other first-generation students? Have the courage to ask questions. You will find that more people are willing to help you, guide you and support you on your academic path.