My journey to higher education has been life-changing — shaped by growth, resilience, and determination. As a first-generation immigrant, undocumented for over 20 years, a parenting student of two, and a nontraditional, first-generation college student, my path has not been easy. I earned my GED in 1987 but was unable to attend college due to my immigration status. Returning to school after more than 22 years and starting at community college allowed me to rebuild my academic foundation and rediscover my goals. Along the way, I overcame many challenges — including language barriers — which strengthened my confidence and deepened my commitment to my education. Today, I am proud of how far I have come and hope my journey inspires others to believe it is never too late to pursue their dreams. 

The Center for Community College Partnerships (CCCP) has been transformative in my academic journey. I joined the program in 2012 while attending community college, two years before transferring to UCLA. Through its mentorship, guidance and supportive community, CCCP helped me navigate the transfer process and showed me that I truly belong at UCLA, a dream that once felt very far away. As a nontraditional, first-generation, parenting student, CCCP strengthened my confidence and sense of purpose. Most importantly, my experience allowed me to model for my children the value of persistence, hard work, and self-belief, showing them that with dedication, anything is possible. 

Some of the most memorable experiences I had at UCLA were sharing the journey with my children. I transferred with my daughter in 2014, and we even took a class together in the Transfer Summer Program offered by the UCLA Academic Advancement Program. Working with CCCP as peer mentors while navigating UCLA made the experience even more meaningful. Graduating alongside my daughter in 2017 was a moment I will never forget, a culmination of perseverance, hard work and the joy of accomplishing something together as a family. Beyond academics, the friendships, supportive community, and personal and professional growth I gained continue to inspire me, showing that persistence and determination truly pay off. 

Graduating from UCLA was a dream come true and a symbol of hope for a better future. It represented years of perseverance as a nontraditional, parenting student, the first in my family to graduate from university, and a first-generation immigrant, an incredibly meaningful achievement. Sharing this accomplishment with my children made it even more special, showing them that commitment, determination, and perseverance lead to real success. Graduation validated my journey, celebrated my growth, and reflected the support of the CCCP community that helped me reach this goal.  

I am working for CCCP as an Application Support Specialist, where I support students as they navigate their academic journeys alongside my wonderful colleagues. Having been part of the program for almost eight years, I’ve come full circle: from CCCP scholar, to a UCLA student working as a CCCP Peer Mentor, to now serving as professional staff. Each day, I have the opportunity to give back by guiding students on the same path I once walked and supporting them as they work toward their goal of transferring to a four-year university. 

Everyone should know that CCCP is more than just a program; it is a community that transforms lives. Its mission is to increase transfer rates and support the success of underserved community college students through mentorship, academic partnerships, and leadership development, grounded in social justice, academic excellence, and educational equity. As an alumna, I have seen firsthand how CCCP empowers students to successfully transfer and succeed at the university level while building confidence and a strong sense of belonging. Its impact extends far beyond graduation, as students go on to pursue advanced degrees such as master’s and doctoral programs, as well as professional careers, and give back to their communities. CCCP truly builds and transforms the trajectory of students’ lives. 

I am very grateful for CCCP and the impact it has had on my life and my children’s lives. My daughter and I graduated from the university together, and my son, who joined the program in 2019, has also earned his degree in civil engineering. Being part of this program has been a journey of growth for me, from CCCP scholar to professional staff, and it continues to inspire me every day. CCCP not only opened doors for me but also allowed me to show my children and other students that it is never too late to pursue your dreams. I am proud to be part of a community that uplifts, empowers, and creates lasting change. CCCP will always hold a special place in my heart.