As a first-generation college student, pursuing higher education has always been deeply meaningful to me. My parents did not have the opportunity, so I’ve worked to pave the way for future generations. Attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, a predominantly white institution, came with challenges, especially being away from my family. But I stayed grounded in my roots, built lasting connections, and made the most of every opportunity.
I’m incredibly grateful to have graduated from such a prestigious university, and I know this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of 10,000 Degrees. They provided crucial financial assistance, allowing me to focus on my education without the added stress of paying for tuition or housing.
I first got involved with 10,000 Degrees through Canal Alliance in high school and participated in the Summer Institute before college. Listening to fellows share their stories and advice gave me confidence and direction. Throughout college, their academic workshops, one-on-one check-ins, and networking events, like the LinkedIn workshop, gave me the tools and encouragement I needed to keep pushing forward.
Thanks to their support, I’ve earned my degree in Construction Management and will now be working full-time as a Project Engineer at Ghilotti Construction Company, helping improve infrastructure to make transportation more efficient and accessible. Cal Poly’s strong construction and engineering programs, with their 100% job placement rate, were the perfect fit for my goals.
Looking ahead, I’m committed to giving back to my community and the schools that helped shape me. I believe in the power of education to change lives, and I hope my journey inspires other young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to know that higher education is possible and worth pursuing.