Professor/Dept Chair, Environmental Studies and Sciences
Where did you attend college?
UC Berkeley
What was your college experience like as a first-generation college student?
Fantastic! But I knew from the first day I got there that I had been disadvantaged, compared to others in my cohort, by my rural upbringing and my parents' lack of savvy about college life and college admissions. I had to figure most things out on my own.
What message do you have to share with current first-generation college students?
You may think that everyone else has all the answers and is super confident. You may feel that you're the only one feeling confused or having to play catch-up...but I guarantee you a lot of people are having the same feelings as you. You are not an imposter! You belong! And if you reach out, there are people willing to help.