What is your hometown? West Covina, CA
What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? Claremont Graduate University - Ph.D.
University of Southern California - M.Ed
Cal Poly Pomona - B.A
What motivated you to go to college? My mom instilled education as a priority in the household. She didn't go to college but she somehow felt that was what she wanted for her kids. I felt motivated to go to college but it was also such an abstract idea at the same time.
Describe your college experience as first-generation. I always say I figured out the getting into college part but I struggled with the "how to do" college piece. I needed to learn how to take notes in class, how to use the library for research, and be strategic with time management. The lack of confidence really created sense of nervousness and doubt in my academic abilities. Over time, I was able to find peers who I could learn from, study with, and feel like I belonged in college.
What unique challenges did you face? I remember I got a B on an exam and it was close to an A-. I asked my professor for help because I wanted to improve. He helped me but also said something like, statistically, soft spoken, Latina, females (like me) usually stay in the B grade range. I don't know why that professor said that. And decades later, do I still remember this? Of course, I do. I've had to work at not having that remark stunt me in my desire to achieve or continue my education. I think that emotional work can be tiring.
How did you overcome those challenges? I found a group of peers who shared the same major. We were all first gen students and found a common interest in just trying to do our best to get by in classes. We studied together, sometimes took classes together, and adopted similar daily schedules so it was easy to always get ahold of one another when someone needed support or help.
What did you advise other first-generation students? Find peers that you can foster a connection. Peers that will also lift you up, listen, and support you. Be open to learning new ways to study & manage time. There are so many resources for students at Mt.SAC; there's bound to be something for you!
