What is your hometown? La Habra Heights

What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Policy Studies

Stanford University
Master of Arts, Social Sciences in Education

University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science

What motivated you to go to college? The support and guidance of my family, community, and mentors inspired me to progress onto higher education.

Describe your college experience as first-generation. At the age of 18, I embarked on my college journey by moving away. I was financial responsibility for my own needs and navigating the complexities of both college life and my future. Through this experience, I discovered the importance of keeping my goals at the forefront of my journey, and learner to seek invaluable mentorship and guidance.

What unique challenges did you face? My mother did not have the opportunity to attend school, and my father's education only reached the second grade. I started helping my mother clean homes at the age of 10. I am the first-generation to complete elementary school, high school, college, and graduate school.

How did you overcome those challenges? I am immensely grateful for the mentors, as well as financial aid and scholarships that made my college education possible.

What did you advise other first-generation students? Your dreams are within reach. Dare to dream about your future. The dedicated team of faculty, staff, and administrators at Mt. SAC is here to wholeheartedly support you in your pursuit of your goals.