What is your hometown? Oxnard, CA

What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? UC Santa Barbara- B.A.Psychology
Washington State University- Ph.D.-Counseling Psychology

What motivated you to go to college? From an early age, I always knew that I would attend college. My parents were talking to us about college from an early age.

Describe your college experience as first-generation. My parents always say that they learned about college, financial aid, etc. at the same time as me and my siblings. Everything was unfamiliar and new. Nonetheless, I was fortunate enough to be a part of EOP as well as a summer program that connected me with other students and campus support.

What unique challenges did you face? I didn't have any kind of a knowledge base about college, college life, resources, etc.

How did you overcome those challenges? I got over my hesitance to ask for help and utilized any and all campus support and resources.

What did you advise other first-generation students? Ask for help and support. Be persistent despite the challenges you face and give yourself permission to go through your educational journey at the pace that works for you.