As a first-generation college student and single parent, my journey through higher education wasn’t easy. There were many moments when I felt overwhelmed, but I never walked the path alone. My village—including UCLA Center for Community College Partnerships (CCCP)—connected me with the resources, encouragement, and community I needed to keep climbing the educational ladder. They helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel: earning my degree, creating a better future for my daughter, and showing her that perseverance makes the impossible possible.
Joining CCCP Parenting SITE connected me with other student parents and first-generation students who understood my experiences. I felt seen, supported, and part of a community. CCCP also introduced me to academic resources, student services, and basic needs support. These opportunities helped me navigate college while raising my daughter and working to provide for us. The workshops continually inspired me to grow as a student and eventually a mentor. I became a UCLA CCCP Peer Mentor, where I had the privilege of supporting future transfer students and giving back to the community that had invested so much in me. It was rewarding to help pave the way for others while setting an example for my daughter.
Some of my favorite memories were the Tuesday evening UCLA CCCP staff meetings. My daughter was 3 years old at the time, and occasionally I would bring her with me. Everyone welcomed us with kindness, making me feel that both of us belonged. Because much of my undergraduate and graduate experience took place during the pandemic, many of my classes were remote. Those in-person moments became even more meaningful. I will always cherish being surrounded by like-minded individuals who were committed to helping students achieve their dreams. Presenting alongside the CCCP team also transformed me personally. Watching and learning from my coworkers encourage aspiring transfer students gave me the confidence to overcome my fear of public speaking. Seeing students realize that if we could transfer to a UC, they could too, was very fulfilling.
At first, I never imagined UCLA could become my reality. As a working single parent, I doubted whether I was capable of being accepted. But with the support of my village and the resources CCCP provided, I graduated UCLA with Summa cum laude and the honors program. Earning my degree was more than an academic accomplishment, it was proof that our circumstances do not determine our potential.
Today, I am a psychotherapist and serve as a board member for a nonprofit organization that supports single parent students. My passion is helping others overcome challenges, build community, and create brighter futures for themselves and their families.
What should everyone know about the CCCP and its i CCCP provides mentorship, encouragement, academic guidance, and resources that empower students to transfer to the university of their dreams and succeed long after graduation.
I don’t know if I would have graduated from UCLA with Summa cum laude and honors or built the lifelong friendships I cherish today without CCCP. The program changed the trajectory of my life. I will always be grateful, and I hope future students take the opportunities CCCP has to offer because it has the power to change lives.
