What is your hometown? Whittier, CA
What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? Rio Hondo College, Associate of Arts, Sociology for Transfer
UC Berkeley, Bachelor of Science, Society and Environment
USC, Master of Education in Educational Counseling
What motivated you to go to college? My working-class immigrant parents, who never had the chance to pursue higher education themselves, always dreamed of that opportunity for me. Despite their unfamiliarity with navigating the college system, their unwavering love and support ignited my determination to attain a college degree.
Describe your college experience as first-generation. My experience as a first-generation college student helped me recognize the value of mentorship. The unknowns and uncertainties about college can make it a scary and intimidating process, especially for students of color. I often grappled with imposter syndrome and feelings of not belonging. However, I worked extra hard to step out of my comfort zone and actively seek mentorship and guidance, which not only alleviated my imposter syndrome but also made me feel a stronger sense of belonging and support within the college community. Having support systems at home and on my college campus was instrumental to my success.
What unique challenges did you face? As a first-generation college student, I encountered several challenges, including feelings of not belonging at institutions like UC Berkeley, doubting my abilities to succeed, balancing multiple jobs while maintaining a full-time course schedule, and constantly thinking about "what is my next step" without taking a break to enjoy the journey.
How did you overcome those challenges? I overcame these challenges by seeking out communities on campus where I could connect with fellow students who shared similar life experiences, such as the UC Berkeley Transfer Center, I cultivated strong relationships with my mentors, and continually reminded myself of my "WHY."
What did you advise other first-generation students? Never underestimate your potential to succeed simply because you're the first.
