10,000 Degrees has changed not only my life, but also my family’s. My sisters and I are proud products of the 10,000 Degrees program. As the oldest of three, I was the first to graduate high school and go to college, and with the academic, financial, and career support from 10,000 Degrees, I was able to overcome challenges and feel confident throughout my journey. I began as a 10,000 Degrees student and, after graduating, had the privilege of returning as a Community College Success Fellow for the South Bay Team. That experience inspired me to pursue my master’s degree in Educational Counseling at SJSU, which I will complete in Fall 2026.
Today, I serve as an Academic Advisor at CSU East Bay for the TRIO EXCEL program, where I support students from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation, low-income, undocumented students, foster care, and students with disabilities. I also mentor freshman students in East San Jose through the Latino Education Advancement Foundation.
My passion is to give back to the communities that once supported me and ensure all students, especially those from underrepresented communities, feel seen, heard, and valued. A saying I try to live by is “Be the person you needed when you were younger.”