Where did you attend college?
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
What was your college experience like as a first-generation college student?
Attending college as a first-gen student was amazing and difficult at the same time. Throughout college, I was a full-time student and also worked 35 hours per week to finance my education. My parents didn't expect me to go to college--they didn't have the funds, and quite frankly, they were so busy working double shifts that we didn't have time to discuss my post-high school plans. I loved learning (and still do) and knew that education was my ticket to a better life. After high school, I enrolled at my local junior college (DeAnza College) and was invited to join a first-gen program called "A Starting Point," similar to LEAD. It changed my life. My mentors taught me how to navigate through the system and helped me set goals to eventually transfer to a four-year university, Cal-Poly, San Luis Obispo. I earned a B.S. in business with a concentration in accounting and landed my "dream job" at a Big Four firm where I met my future husband, Steve, a first-gen SCU alumnus!
What message do you have to share with current first-generation college students?
Always remember that you belong here at SCU and that you have the power to rewrite your narrative. Your choices, your perspective, and your priorities will have a lasting impact on your life and on the lives of others. When things get tough, don't hesitate to lean on the incredible support network at SCU. There are so many of us--faculty, staff, alumni-- who want to lift you up on your journey! Go, Broncos!