My journey to higher education was not straightforward, it was shaped by setbacks and moments where I questioned whether I truly belonged or if I could even afford to pursue my dreams. Being rejected from my dream school the first time I applied was heartbreaking. It made me feel like my goals were out of reach and left me questioning whether I was “UCLA material.” Over time, that rejection became a moment of reflection rather than defeat. I began to rebuild my confidence and recognize that my story, my struggles, and my resilience were not weaknesses, they were strengths. Choosing to reapply was one of the most vulnerable and courageous decisions I’ve ever made. It required me to believe in myself before I had any proof that I would succeed. When I was finally accepted, it wasn’t just an academic milestone, it was a profound personal victory. My acceptance was not achieved alone. Through my participation in the Summer Intensive Transfer Experience, I found the support, guidance, and community I needed to navigate the transfer process. Through exposure to critical race theory and the concept of community cultural wealth, I began to understand that I already possessed valuable assets, assets that are not only valid, but necessary in academic spaces. The Center for Community College Partnerships (CCCP) also helped demystify the stigma surrounding community college students. It empowered me to embrace my journey and take pride in my identity as a transfer student. What once felt like a limitation became a source of strength and purpose.
CCCP changed my life in ways I didn’t expect. When I first joined, I was still learning how to find my voice and navigate spaces that often felt overwhelming. CCCP became a place where I didn’t have to shrink myself, it encouraged me to step fully into who I am. Through CCCP, I gained more than just access to resources, I gained confidence, mentorship, and a community that genuinely cared about my success. They helped me understand how to advocate for myself, how to ask for help, and how to see my lived experiences as powerful. For the first time, I felt like I wasn’t navigating higher education alone.
The most memorable experiences I had were the moments when I felt a true sense of belonging. Whether I was sitting in a room surrounded by peers who shared similar journeys — such as at IDEAS general body meetings — attending CCCP events, visiting the 580 Cafe, celebrating at Folklórico Fiesta Mexicana, or having conversations that made me feel seen and understood, those moments stayed with me. It was not just about academics; it was about finding community in a place that once felt intimidating. The laughter, shared struggles and late conversations about goals and fears reminded me that I belonged there just as much as anyone else.
Graduating from UCLA meant everything to me. It was the realization of a dream that once felt impossible. When I walked across that stage, I carried every moment with me — the rejection, doubt, hard work and people who supported me along the way. It was not just my accomplishment; it belonged to my community, to the people who believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself. That moment was emotional because it represented not just where I ended up, but everything I overcame to get there.
Graduating from UCLA meant everything to me. It was the realization of a dream that once felt impossible. When I walked across that stage, I carried every moment with me the rejection, the doubt, the hard work, and the people who supported me along the way. It was not just my accomplishment; it belonged to my community and to the people who believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself. That moment was emotional because it represented not just where I ended up, but everything I overcame to get there.
Today, I carry the lessons and strength I gained with me in everything I do. I am continuing to pursue opportunities that align with my purpose, while also being intentional about uplifting others. I am a wife, mother of two wonderful boys, and a scholar. I currently serve as the Coordinator of Advocacy, Growth, Access, Voice, and Empowerment (AGAVE) at the Thrive Center, where I lead initiatives that foster belonging and empowerment for undocumented, DACAmented, refugee and mixed-status students. In this role, I coordinate identity affirming, asset-based programs and cultural events that celebrate students’ diverse experiences and resilience. I also organize Know Your Rights presentations and create informational resources to help students feel prepared and confident in potential encounters with federal law enforcement. Through this work, I aim to create spaces where students can feel seen, supported and safe to pursue their goals. I also facilitate professional development sessions for faculty and staff, helping them implement best practices to support first-generation, transfer and immigrant students. Through this work, I have witnessed the transformative power of advocacy and the importance of creating institutional change to ensure that all students feel seen and supported. I want to be the kind of support for others that CCCP was for me, a source of encouragement, guidance and belief.
CCCP is more than a program, it is a lifeline for students who are trying to find their place. It creates a space where you are not only supported academically but also seen as a whole person. It reminds students that they are capable, that their voices matter, and that they belong. Its impact goes beyond graduation; it stays with you. It shapes how you see yourself, how you move through the world, and how you show up for others.
CCCP was my home away from home. It was a space where I found empowerment, healing, and growth. It gave me the courage to believe in myself during moments when doubt felt louder than hope. I will always carry that with me. And because of CCCP, I don’t just see myself as someone who made it through, I see myself as someone who has the power to pave the way for future transfer students. I will be graduating with my master’s degree in higher education this May and will be starting my PhD journey in the Fall. Thank you CCCP for the magic, the hope and community love. #Power2TheTransfer
