What is your hometown? El Monte, CA
What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? Rio Hondo Community College
University of Nevada, Las Vegas - B.S. Criminal Justice
CSU Los Angeles - M.S Counseling w/ option in rehabilitation counseling
What motivated you to go to college? I was primarily raised in a single-family home, although my parents did not divorce until I was about 12 years old. My father was in and out of my life for various reasons, and I witnessed the struggles that my mother endured. I was fortunate to have been blessed with amazing grandparents that supported me in numerous ways. It was my grandmother who always stressed the importance of receiving a college degree and was a great source of emotional support. She only had an elementary school education and suffered many hardships growing up. She shared many stories of her struggles and wanted my life to be different. I am thankful for her wisdom and her enduring love and support. I can honestly say that she was one of my primary reasons for pushing through when times were tough. She instilled in me the value of being independent but also never being afraid to ask for help. She always told me that the worst a person could tell you is no and to move on and ask someone else.
Describe your college experience as first-generation. While I was at Rio Hondo, I was not exactly sure how to navigate the college system. It was a challenging and confusing time for me. I struggled in my math classes and could not talk to my family about my difficulties. I did excel in other coursework, but did not connect with a counselor early on and took unnecessary courses. I did not utilize many of the college resources for several years. Over time, I learned how to ask for help and worked closely with a counselor, and sought tutoring in math.
While I attended UNLV, I made sure to connect with my academic counselor and used campus resources. With time and maturity, my self-confidence increased. I managed to complete my upper-division coursework in 14 months and received my Bachelor's degree.
What unique challenges did you face? My struggle in math was a prominent factor in delaying my transfer to a four-year institution. At Rio Hondo College, our equivalent of math 50 was divided into 4 sections, so it took me some time to complete the math sequence. I began to use tutoring resources and worked with a private tutor to complete my math requirement. That is one of the reasons why I am so passionate about what I do and the passage of AB 705.
How did you overcome those challenges? I became more confident and was not so fearful of asking for assistance. I built a community of friends who also had a strong desire to transfer and seek change from their various life situations. I was honest with myself and made realistic goals.
What did you advise other first-generation students? NEVER GIVE UP! Remember your why and all the reasons you deserve the best that life has to offer. Utilize campus resources and never be afraid to ask questions and seek tutoring. Build/maintain a sense of community at Mt. SAC and in other areas of your life. Have a strong sense of your vision and what it will take to achieve your goals. Focus on what you want out of life and give yourself grace when life does not go as planned.
