What is your hometown? Garden grove, CA

What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? Golden west college in HB, where I earned my AA. One semester at csuf, then transferred to UCSB where I earned my BA. Then to csuf for my MA.

What motivated you to go to college? My parents always talked about college like it was the natural next step after high school. I liked school and was good at it and was afraid of getting a “real job”.

Describe your college experience as first-generation. It was confusing at first. I didn’t know how to enroll in classes, how much time was needed between classes, how to transfer, how to find my classes, what books I needed, etc. I was also afraid to ask questions for fear I’d look dumb, so I floundered a lot! Once I transferred, the best part of being first gen was being part of EOP and getting a peer mentor who basically told me exactly what classes to take and what to do.

What unique challenges did you face? I think just not knowing what to do or when or how. Most of my friendsz’ parents went to college and they went straight to university and seemed to know what to do. They knew about scholarships and knew to get involved and how to actuate college. I knew nothing. My mom once even told me “you’re the one in college!” When I asked her about something College related.

How did you overcome those challenges? I learned to ask questions, remitted on my peer mentor, read the college catalog very carefully, interviewed past professors, and got to know my professors a bit.

What did you advise other first-generation students? Find mentors. Whether they are peer mentors or professor or staff mentors. Mentors are the best!! I had mentors, have mentored others, and it’s the best honestly the best the most helpful thing for all college students, but especially first gen students who don’t have parents to serve as college mentors!! And ask questions! If you don’t ask, you won’t know!