Brenda Andrade Rounds
Determined to become a scientist, Brenda Andrade Rounds overcame challenges during her undergraduate studies.
Andrea Arias
Andrea felt overwhelmed and struggled academically after starting college. Upon returning to school for her teaching credentials, she was determined and resilient, earning advanced degrees despite significant challenges.
Bradley Campbell
Bradley Campbell started out majoring in accounting, but ultimately found his passion in sociology.
Sosseh Didarloo
Growing up in post-revolutionary Iran, Sosseh Didarloo faced multiple forms of discrimination. Read about the challenges she overcame after emigrating to the U.S. and how she now guides students toward higher education and empowerment.
Diane Fazzi
A lifelong dream of becoming a teacher motivated Diane Fazzi to go to college. Her journey was defined by learning and growth.
Jesus Gaeta
Everything that Jesus Gaeta experienced in college helped him become a resilient and self-sufficient adult. He advises first-gen students to learn what they enjoy and will give them the life they want.
Luis Nuño
Born to immigrant farm workers, Luis Nuño overcame financial hardships and pursued an education at Cal Berkeley, finding support in the transfer student community.
Juily Phun
Assistant professor of Asian/Asian American Studies Juily Phun went to college to help her family, who were among nearly one million refugees who fled Vietnam after the Vietnam War.
Gloria Preza
Gloria Preza, director of medical laboratory science training programs for Professional and Global Education, was motivated to go to college to advance her family's position in society.
Joshua Ruffin
Joshua Ruffin transitioned into college life by discovering a supportive group of friends who prioritize academics and connecting with faculty who worked with him and helped him reflect on his goals.
J. Travis Shutz
Coming from a working-class background and a military service history, Travis Shutz navigated the challenges of returning to education, ultimately finding his niche.
Tim Tran
Facing financial barriers and past challenges, Tim Tram went from working-class jobs to higher education, driven by a passion for learning and a desire to address social issues.
Jennifer Luo
As a first-generation Chinese American, Jennifer Luo overcame self-doubt, navigated the difficulties of college, and found guidance and support on their educational journey at Cal State LA.
Miguel Zavala
Miguel Zavala's parents, immigrants from Mexico who worked long hours in challenging industrial jobs, were the driving force behind his pursuit of higher education.
Valerie Talavera-Bustillos
Valerie Talavera-Bustillos' high school counselor doubted her ability to succeed in college. Her mother's pride inspired Valerie to believe in herself.
Tina Davis Fernandes
Motivated by the belief that college was the key to a better life and inspired by her sister, Tina Davis Fernandes' journey began at a local junior college before ultimately embracing the transformative experiences of a four-year college.
Osmara Reyes-Osorio
Osmara Reyes-Osorio couldn't answer her high school peers when they asked which colleges she had applied to or where she had been accepted. Her parents expected her to work after high school, so the idea of college had not crossed her mind.
Frangelo Ayran
For Frangelo Ayran, being first-gen meant not knowing about using the tutoring center for support when he failed organic chemistry or about the financial literacy workshops that could have helped him understand his financial aid package.