What is your hometown? La Puente

What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? Rio Hondo College - AA Transfer Studies
Cal State Fullerton - B.A. Sociology
Cal State Long Beach - M.S. Counseling

What motivated you to go to college? My motivation to go to college was my curiosity to see how far I can get but most importantly I payed attention to how I felt as I completed one degree and then the other. After my Bachelor's Degree I didn't feel content but I never thought of getting a Masters Degree until I understood that the career I wanted required it from me, so I did.

Describe your college experience as first-generation. It was much harder than I thought. It wasn't until 6 years into community college that I began to understand how things work and finally identified and gave my "student role" the importance it required for me to succeed.

What unique challenges did you face? The confusion that comes from being told and expected to do well in school by my parents/family yet they not providing the space or understanding my needs as a student to do well.

How did you overcome those challenges? At the time it felt like a battle and felt I acted "against" my parents wishes. Now thinking back, I was simply defending what I knew was right for me, unlearning ideas, and relearning ways that promoted a college-going culture.

What did you advise other first-generation students? Be a cycle-breaker, don't be afraid of walking a new path even when nobody understands what you are doing. Pay attention to your inner voice, if you feel a void within you, keep going until feel full and content of what you have accomplished. Keep learning!