“As a first-generation college student I felt lost when I graduated high school because I did not know anything about the college system. I used to see my peers excited about going to college and talking about their majors and future careers. Unfortunately, I could not relate to them because I did not have any idea of the college system. But I always knew that I wanted to pursue higher education. Coming from a low-income family with limited resources, paying for tuition, textbooks, and other school materials was something that my family was not able to afford. Yet, I took on the challenge and decided to attend community college to save money and then transfer to a four year university. Having attended community college helped me in many ways. I was able to make connections with my professors, counselors, program coordinators, and peers. I am so thankful for having attended College of Marin because I found my community and I can truly say that I feel prepared to take on the challenge at UC Berkeley.
My involvement with 10,000 Degrees has helped me during my college journey because I have been able to receive valuable information about the school system and mentorship. 10,000 Degrees is an amazing program because they always send information about internships, job opportunities, scholarships, and other resources. As a first generation college student I felt unprepared about the transferring process. Thankfully, my 10,000 Degrees mentor, Heidy, always helped me whenever I reached out to her. She has helped me a lot with the different applications I needed to complete to transfer and has been on top of any deadlines that I have to meet. 10,000 Degrees has also helped me financially, which I appreciate because with their support I am able to focus more in school and keep my good grades. I am so thankful because without the help of 10,000 Degrees throughout my college journey I would not be who I am today.
My perseverance and determination have inspired my family to always follow their dreams. There are no words to describe how proud my family is to see that I am accomplishing my dreams and goals in life. Everything I do is for my family, especially my parents who have always supported me throughout my college journey. I am so thankful for having such supportive, caring, and loving parents. I honestly don’t know where I would be if it was not because of their advice and love. My three younger sisters are my motivation to keep going every single day as I am the stepping stone for them to follow in my footsteps. I motivate them to do better and never give up their dreams because when there is desire the impossible is possible.
I want to change the world by raising awareness of mental health issues in my community. I have always been passionate about helping others because it brings joy to my life. This is why I am pursuing a Psychology degree to be able to help my community by providing them with professional counseling. In the future, I hope to be able to support people in Guatemala – especially teenagers going through depression, anxiety, and those who feel loneliness. I want to be able to support them to get access to mental health services and provide them with food, education, and other resources.
I am ONE Degree of Change because 10,000 Degrees gave me hope of a better future to accomplish my dream of pursuing higher education in the field of Psychology to be able to help my community.”