What is your hometown? Rosemead, CA
What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? California State Polytechnic University, Pomona CA
-Bachelor of Arts, Criminology
Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut CA
-Associate of Arts for Transfer, Sociology
What motivated you to go to college? What motivated me to go to college was my family. My mother and father did not graduate from High School because they had me at a very young age and they had to start working to provide for me. However, I had the most hardworking parents that gave me the best that they could and although they did not continue their education they always pushed me to go to college and follow my dreams. I also want to have children of my own someday and I want to inspire them as well as future generations.
Describe your college experience as first-generation. My college experience the first two years was very overwhelming. I was very lost and confused about what I wanted to do. My third year I started working for the Bridge Program and that was when I started to get more involved and meeting people that I can relate to because they were students as well. Being part of the Bridge program not only as an Office Staff but as a student expanded my knowledge and my understanding of resources that were available to me.
What unique challenges did you face? As an only child and first-generation college student some of the challenges I faced included feeling very lost navigating through campus, the pressure I would put on myself to get good grades, and although my parents were very supportive there were many times where they did not understand that school was like having a second job.
How did you overcome those challenges? I overcame these challenges by getting more involved on campus to learn more about different programs and resources available to students and also to meet more people. I also stopped being so hard on myself and just reminded myself to do the best that I can and if I need help there are resources on campus available to help me be successful.
What did you advise other first-generation students? Never compare yourself to anyone because everyone's journey is different and unique. There might be times where you will want to give up but always remember that great things take time and everything you do now is for your future.
