I strongly believe in the importance of community involvement and communal love as it was those resources I received that allowed me to access and succeed in higher education as a low-income and first generation student. In times of doubt and hardship, I was able to rely on my strong support system at 10,000 Degrees to help fulfill the need that my family and I had for guidance. From college access to navigational support, it all contributed towards me being the first in my family to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree and now a Master’s Degree.
My community motivates me to continue to provide the safe spaces that were once held for me on college campuses and advocate for immigrant rights, especially amongst undocumented students. Through advocacy and community building, 10,000 Degrees helped shape me as a student advocate and now an equity minded educator to insure that undocumented students feel seen and supported. Above all, leading the way for my family is my greatest pride as I am now able to provide the information that I once lacked and it gives me great comfort in knowing that they won’t have to do this alone.