Education has always been really important to me; college was my only way out. It allowed me and my family to achieve financial stability. The high school and college I went to were on the same street but they felt like worlds away. I was a first-generation, low-income student and there was a lot of pressure for me to go to college, graduate, be successful and get a job to help my family financially. That’s why when I heard about 10,000 Degrees and the work that they do I wanted to be a part of it.
10,000 Degrees is impacting students at the high school and college levels by helping them get into and through college. They even have a scholarship program, which is really important, but it goes beyond that. They have a mentorship and coaching program which is really essential for students to succeed. Navigating college is hard for first-generation students and even harder for undocumented students but 10,000 Degrees supports those students with their impressive wrap-around services. I am a firm believer that given the support and resources, low-income, first-generation college students can succeed and that’s why I support 10,000 Degrees.
10,000 Degrees South Bay Advisory Board Member
Career Success Mentor
Program Performance Auditor, City of San José 
