What is your hometown? Lancaster, CA
What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? A.A., Letters, Arts, and Sciences at Antelope Valley College
B.A. Theatre Education (English minor) at California State University, Fullerton
M.S. Education at California State University, Fullerton
What motivated you to go to college? My parents always encouraged me to go to college, even though they didn't attend college themselves. In addition to that, I saw so many people in my hometown who struggled so much because they weren't able to get the kind of jobs or have the kind of financial security that a college education can supply. I knew that if I wanted to succeed, a college education was the best way for me to get there.
Describe your college experience as first-generation. I was very proactive in my academics. I wanted to make sure that I was always taking classes that would count towards my degree because I couldn't afford to take classes that didn't. I do wish that I had taken more time to experience the other things college has to offer besides academics. I did do some of this when I got to grad school and I felt like it really enhanced and supported my academic journey.
What unique challenges did you face? When I started at a four-year university after transferring, I didn't understand the financial aid system and made some poor choices, like taking out unnecessary private loans. This ended up being a financial burden that I really struggled with for years after graduation.
How did you overcome those challenges? After my first year at the university, someone showed me how to take advantage of FAFSA and federal loans. In general, federal loans have better terms, lower interest rates, and more options for deferment or forbearance if you find yourself struggling to pay after graduation. Unfortunately, I learned this too late and it was very difficult to work to pay off that personal loan so that it couldn't negatively impact my finances anymore.
What did you advise other first-generation students? Get involved on campus as much as you can. Join a club if you can because you will meet other students who may know about resources or practices that can help you succeed. Ask questions about the college and take advantage of all the resources that you can--things like free tutoring and basic needs resources or even exercise classes! I didn't learn about a lot of these kinds of resources until graduate school and I wish I had know about and used them sooner!
