Giselle E.

“As a low income, first-generation college student the obstacles felt endless. Due to the lack of proper knowledge of campus resources and essentially higher education it definitely took quite a bit of time to understand college dynamics and finding a sense of belonging. My first couple of years felt like trials and tribulations because while I was figuring out what I was passionate about I was simultaneously figuring out and building a foundation for self-determination and independence. As a first gen student I faced financial and educational obstacles, as a Latina I faced social and political barriers, and as a women who freely speaks her mind, and who works to educate herself and those around her, I faced the wrath of challenging a system. In high school I was always told that “they” would no longer be holding our hands in college but they were wrong. 10,000 Degrees fostered a space, resources, and a lending hand that allowed me to contribute success to my achievements and time at Cal State East Bay.”