What is your hometown? Mazatlan, Sinaloa Mexico

What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? Mt. San Antonio College, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)

What motivated you to go to college? My mother, my nieces and nephews, and all of the undocumented/immigrant community.

Describe your college experience as first-generation. College was the single most difficult experience I have ever had in my life. It was only thanks to my community/my village, and being reminded that I am standing on the shoulders of my ancestors that I was able to grow and accomplish my goals.

What unique challenges did you face? Being the first in my family to literally figure everything out.

How did you overcome those challenges? Meeting and learning from my counselors, mentors/femtors, and getting involved on campus through student work opportunities and joining student organizations like MECHA & IDEAS.

What did you advise other first-generation students? Get involved, do not be afraid to take on new opportunities and do not be afraid to fail. Failures are only learning opportunities to better yourself and grow as an individual.