What is your hometown? La Puente, CA

What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? Cal Poly Pomona- B.A.
Cal Poly Pomona- M.A.
Claremont Graduate University- M.A.
Claremont Graduate University- Ph.D.

What motivated you to go to college? Though my parents never went to college, they were big advocates of higher education. My parents always pushed me to have a better life than they had.

Describe your college experience as first-generation. My first couple of years in college were incredibly difficult. I didn't really understand how to navigate the system, or how to figure out which classes to take. I found myself taking classes that may/may not satisfy graduation requirements. To add to this, I was working and trying to figure out how to balance everything. It took me some time to learn how to understand the course catalog and degree requirements, and it took the guidance of several wonderful faculty mentors to assist me along the way.

What unique challenges did you face? I didn't know/understand how to obtain resources. I didn't understand the course catalog or degree requirements. I didn't know how to create a class schedule that would satisfy both my interests and requirements.

How did you overcome those challenges? Key faculty members along the way helped show me how to plan for future semesters, how to satisfy degree requirements. Key faculty members encouraged me to stick with the program, to continually improve. Key faculty members encouraged me to continue on for a graduate degree.

What did you advise other first-generation students? Stick with it! Most faculty members will absolutely assist you throughout this process. We understand this is hard, but we're there to help you! You've got this!