What is your hometown? La Puente, CA

What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? Cal Poly Pomona - B.S., Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology
Cal Poly Pomona - M. A., Educational Multimedia
USC - Ed.D., Higher Educational Leadership

What motivated you to go to college? I grew up in a single-parent household, in apartments, on section-8, and on food stamps. I knew that a college education would allow me to not have to live as I did growing up.

Describe your college experience as first-generation. If it was not for the EOP program, and specifically my EOP advisor, Becky Cutler, I would not have graduated. I was lost, overwhelmed, and did not know how to navigate the university system. EOP provided the support I needed in order to succeed.

What unique challenges did you face? I was educationally disqualified from Cal Poly after just my second quarter there. I was not able to pass basic-skills math and at the time the the policy was to no longer allow the students to enroll in courses. Luckily I was able to take a few courses at some local CCs and was able to re-enroll at Cal Poly.

How did you overcome those challenges? Perseverance, support from loved ones, and knowing that I was not going to allow a system to tell me what I could not achieve. I was determined to proof those who had kicked me out wrong.

What did you advise other first-generation students? Be willing to take risks and challenge yourself. Being the first to do something is never easy, but you are motivating so many others around you. Remember that there are individuals here to support you, guide you, and motive you. Take advantage of those of us who are first-gen too, we know the struggle and want to see you succeed!