What is your hometown? Dinuba, CA
What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? UC Santa Barbara- B.A. Law & Society/Chicano Studies
UC Los Angeles- M.A. Library & Information Science
UC Los Angeles- Ph.D. Library & Information Science
What motivated you to go to college? My strongest motivation for attending college came from my father. I come from a family of farmworkers. My grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, everyone I knew while growing up worked in the fields in the San Joaquin Valley. It was grueling way of life but I learned how to work hard which has been a tremendous factor in my academic achievements. Although my father only had a third grade education, he understood the transformative value of a college education. He strongly encouraged me excel academically as a way of breaking the cycle of poverty in which we lived. Although our family was very much a traditional Mexican family, my father supported me leaving home to attend college. He often spoke to me about how a college education would provide me independence and security as a woman. In addition to the encouragement my father provided, as the eldest child of my family I also felt a great responsibility to set an example for my siblings. I wanted to make higher education a reality within their grasps, which is one of the main reasons I pursued a doctorate degree at UCLA.
Describe your college experience as first-generation. My first years as an undergraduate at UCSB was one filled with confusion and fear. As a girl coming from a small rural town who had not been exposed too many experiences outside her hometown moving hours away was terrifying. This was pre-internet times so communicating with my family was limited to a weekly phone call for a few minutes. It was very difficult to adjust to all the changes and I often felt isolated and doubtful. However, I was determined to succeed and that hard work I had learned to do growing up gave me the strength to persevere. I can honestly say my years as an undergraduate were the most difficult for me, but also the ones for which I am most proud. All the tears I cried were worth it when I saw the pride on my father’s face on graduation day. I not only graduated but I did it with honors, was inducted to the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society, named the Chicano EOP Outstanding Student of Year, and was accepted to a Master’s program at UCLA on a full merits based fellowship. I share my accomplishments to let students know that where you come from does not define what you can achieve.
What unique challenges did you face? One of difference I first noticed between me and other students was how comfortable they were moving around campus and in the classrooms. I was always unsure of what spaces it was appropriate for me to enter and use. I lacked basic understandings of concepts like GE requirements and the difference between a lecture and a discussion section. It was overwhelming how much there was to learn my first year in college. In addition to negotiating these spaces, making sure I was able to afford staying in school was my other challenge. My parents were not able to provide any financial support and I did not want to place any stress on them by letting them know that I was unable to make ends meet. Hence, I went without many things during those years to make sure that I was able to live with what I made from work and financial aid.
How did you overcome those challenges? Participating in student organizations was what kept me emotionally grounded during my undergraduate years. I joined MEChA and participated in other student lead organizations that worked with immigrant rights and women issues. It was through the work of these organizations that I built a support network and a sense of home. The value of getting involved on campus is great.
What did you advise other first-generation students? Know that you are more resilient than you think. When you feel that you can no longer continue, know that you can find the strength within you. Also, know you do not have to do it alone. Take advantage of all the resources your campus offers. Reach out, ask for help, and grow your support network. Your paths to your academic goals may have bumps, but do not abandon your hopes. And when you are done come back and help those that come after you. Give back and remember that you did not do it on your own. All the support resources that are now available to you today exist because of those who came before you. Stay strong.
