My journey through higher education as a journey of self-love. It has been rooted in believing that I am capable, even when institutions or systems suggested otherwise. Loving myself meant refusing to accept limitations placed on me or my community. It meant recognizing that systemic barriers may shape our paths, but they are never greater than our collective intellect, our resilience, or our capacity to create change. My education became more than earning degrees, it became an act of affirming and honoring the brilliance that exists within the communities from which I come.

CCCP transformed my educational journey by increasing my navigational capital and equipping me with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to thrive within higher education. More importantly, they believed in me before I fully believed in myself. They gave me a community at UCLA. A place where I felt seen, supported, and challenged to reach beyond what I thought was possible. The mentorship, guidance, and genuine care I received from peer mentors, counselors, and administrators were foundational to my success. Their investment in me not only changed my educational trajectory but also shaped the way I now lead, mentor, and advocate for others.

Some of my most memorable experiences are honestly the fun ones: the SITE program with my fellow peer mentors and the countless laughing sessions that had me literally crying! LOL. Our Jamaica trip, late-night Denny’s study sessions, and all the moments in between are memories I still carry with me. And, of course, graduating with my PhD while rocking a six-month baby bump! My journey through higher education was a lot of hard work, but it was also filled with laughter, friendship, community, and some truly unforgettable moments.

Earning my PhD meant far more than earning a degree. As a first-generation, low-income, single teenage parent who graduated high school with a 1.7 GPA, I know what it feels like to have your potential measured by your circumstances instead of your capacity. For a long time, the world told me what it thought I could become. Earning my PhD was my opportunity to write a different ending. That accomplishment wasn’t about proving other people wrong, it was about proving to myself that my dreams were worthy of pursuit, regardless of where I started. Every degree I earned became a reminder that our beginnings do not define our futures. More than anything, graduating with my PhD represents possibility. It represents what can happen when someone is given access, support, and people who believe in them before they fully believe in themselves. I hope my journey reminds others, especially first-generation students, student parents, and those who have been underestimated that potential cannot be measured by a GPA, an income, or the challenges they face. We are all capable of writing a different story. We just have to love ourselves enough.

Today, I serve as the Director of Grants Development and Management at El Camino Community College District. I help secure funding to create programs that expand opportunities and support student success. Every grant is an investment in students’ dreams, and I see this work as my way of giving back to the same communities that believed in me and helped shape my journey

Everyone should know that CCCP does far more than help students transfer; it changes the trajectory of lives and, in many cases, entire families. Before CCCP, I had never envisioned earning a four-year degree, let alone a PhD. The program expanded what I believed was possible for my future and gave me the support to pursue it. The impact of CCCP extends well beyond me. It has shaped the opportunities available to my children; my 24-year-old son, my 8-year-old son, and my 4-year-old daughter. Their lives are different because my life is different. That is the power of investing in one student: the impact ripples across generations. CCCP didn’t simply help me earn a degree. It helped me imagine a future I never thought was within reach and gave me the tools, community, and confidence to build it. That is a legacy that continues long after graduation.

I hope every student who walks through CCCP’s doors knows that they belong, that their story matters, and that where they begin does not determine where they can go. Thank you to everyone who has poured into generations of students like me. Your impact reaches farther than you may ever know.