What is your hometown? Montebello, CA

What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? I have attended Mt. Sac and Santa Ana College - still working to transfer with an associates degree.

What motivated you to go to college? I am an employee of the college and know that I will not have my dream position if I do not attain a degree.

Describe your college experience as first-generation. I have had a lot of struggles trying to understand the programs and really being focused as education was not the first priority of my family.

What unique challenges did you face? I faced a lot of negativity from my family as they did not understand why i could not work full time. I ended up leaving school and just returning now 20 years later to move forward.

How did you overcome those challenges? I am currently working on overcoming the challenges by pushing forward with my education. I know that this is the only way to move forward and provide the life for my family that I want.

What did you advise other first-generation students? I would advise them to find a support system on campus and to really look into the resources available on campus.