What is your hometown? Fresno, CA

What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? University of California, Davis B.A., English
University of Wyoming, M.A., English
Louisiana State University, Ph.D., English

What motivated you to go to college? Economic stability, the prestige associated with a college degree

Describe your college experience as first-generation. It took me longer to complete my degrees, particularly the B.A. and the Ph.D., than I expected. My parents encouraged me to pursue a major/minor that they thought would be economically advisable. I had to convince them to let me follow my heart.

What unique challenges did you face? I had to advocate for myself. I had to learn to navigate a large campus and a complicated degree system.

How did you overcome those challenges? My peers helped a lot. I also utilized faculty office hours to ask questions.

What did you advise other first-generation students? Tenacity is key. Don't give up.