What is your hometown? Moreno Valley, CA
What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? UC Davis - B.A. Sociology & B.A. Communication
University of La Verne - M.S. Educational Counseling
What motivated you to go to college? I decided to go to college because my peers were going. I was not pushed nor expected to go to college and be successful by anyone in my circle. I was the first generation to attempt it. However, by surrounding myself with other students who were motivated to be successful, motivated to make a change in their life, and motivated to better themselves because they believed in themselves, well...I wanted to be a part of that group.
Describe your college experience as first-generation. My undergraduate experience was rough. Often times I was the only black female in a classroom of 200. I moved 400 miles away from home, so I felt lonely. I felt unworthy attending a UC school. As a result, I struggled and really struggled, especially in my first two years in college. I failed classes, and changed my major a couple of times. I was lost. What saved my first-gen college experience was becoming connected to programs on campus. The programs connected me with people who cared about my success. Who helped me see my future as bigger than I could have ever imagined. I believe life comes full circle. It is no accident that I am now a counselor in a specialized program at a college. Life is crazy like that.
What unique challenges did you face? Some of my main challenges as a first-gen student was knowing where and how to get help. Attending a large university like UC Davis was intimidating and I thought because I attended college, I was supposed to have it all figured out. I was nervous about joining organizations and clubs on campus. I was embarrassed to go to counselors and advisors. When I realized I was mid-way through my undergraduate career and still felt all of these feelings, I knew time was not slowing down for me. I felt like I was running out of time and instead of running really fast through the last half of my race, I decided to power-walk, but with a support system so I wouldn't have any more hiccups.
How did you overcome those challenges? Clubs, organizations, and programs do not make a student successful. People do. I found good people by joining these clubs, organizations, and programs. I had to check-in with them. I had to engage with the activities. I had accountability partners for my success. It was awesome. I found community. I found a home away from home. I found people who looked like me and people that I could identify with. I found first-generation professionals with resources and tools to help me succeed. It was everything for my success.
What did you advise other first-generation students? Get connected to the school you are attending by getting involved in a club, organization, program or event. Take the classes you always wanted. You will find people who you identify with, and who will support the new legacy you are starting.
