As a first-generation student, I faced imposter syndrome and struggled with feelings of self-doubt, wondering if I deserved to be amongst my peers. My parents, who only had middle school educations in Mexico before immigrating, came to the United States to provide my brothers and I a better life. Graduating from college is not only my dream, but also theirs; it feels like a graduation for the three of us!
10,000 Degrees helped to alleviate financial stress from my family, making UC Davis obtainable when we weren’t sure it was possible. For the last two years, they even helped cover my Geology field camp costs, ensuring I was equipped with the proper supplies to be successful in the field. Their support, like the LinkedIn workshop, also really motivated me to start applying for jobs and entering the career force.
Now, attending college has proven to my family that all their sacrifices had paid off, showing that higher education is more than possible for families like ours. I want to change the world for the better by focusing on conservation, specifically working on water to find sustainable ways to improve water quality, continuing projects that help our environment.