Professor, Department of Chicana(o) and Latina(o) Studies
Defying Doubts and Embracing Family Expectations
Since I could remember, my mother always told me one day I was going to go to college. When I was accepted to UC Irvine and UCSanta Barbara, I went to my high school college counselor for guidance. She was very shocked I was accepted, and seemed to almost question my ability to go to college. It was upsetting, and I started to question my own ability. I wanted to cry. When I returned home, my mother was on the phone with my tía, sharing the news I would be going to UC Irvine, saying how proud she was- I knew if my mother believed in me, I didn’t want to let her down. I had to ignore what the college counselor told me, and live up to my mother’s expectations, and learn to believe in myself.
Advice to First-Gen Students
My advice to other first-generation college students is to remember why you began this journey into higher education, keep that as your motivation when things get tough. It is important to recognize the valuable insights, support, skills, and tools that helped you get to Cal State LA and build on them. Utilize your resources, challenge yourself to learn new things, advocate for yourself and work towards your goals. Your perspective as a first-generation college student is very important, unique and will serve you well in the future.