What is your hometown? Ontario, CA

What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? Mt.Antonio College- A.A. Social and Behavioral Science
Cal State Los Angeles- B.A. Sociology
Azusa Pacific University - M.S. College Counseling and Student Development

What motivated you to go to college? My family, but especially my parents

Describe your college experience as first-generation. Honestly, I was a lost student when I started college, I did not like the feeling of being overwhelmed and confused most of the time, so I would make it my goal to know every building and support programs on campus. This helped me a lot to have a sense of direction, which landed me my first job on campus as a Student Ambassador for the High School Outreach department.

What unique challenges did you face? Not having a Pacific Islander representation from Professors or Counselors, to even students on campus. I also did not know how to advocate for myself and my community.

How did you overcome those challenges? I got involved on campus. I joined clubs my first semester at Mt. SAC, and began the first Pacific Islander Club on campus; to bring awareness to the campus community and also provide a safe space for my Pacific Islander students.

What did you advise other first-generation students? Get involved on campus their first semester. Check out different Clubs, join Support Programs and even try to work on campus, because that will help students be accountable and be successful during their time in college. Also, they will have a strong support system as their Mt. SAC Family.