National First-Generation College Celebration 2020

Ashley Hernandez

Psychology, Class of 2023

Where did you grow up and what is your first-gen background? I have lived in the same small town in southern California for my whole life. With that, I started to get tired of doing the same thing and I knew I wanted to get away. No one in my family has left the town we live in to go to college. I knew I wanted to be different, and not live the same life my parents did. After my first year of high school, I knew I wanted to go to college.

What does being first-gen mean to you? At the beginning of my college career, I didn't know what being first-generation meant to me. After completing the first few weeks of college, I quickly developed an understanding of what it meant to be first-gen. Being a first-generation student means everything to me and it has become part of my identity. I am proud to say I am a first-generation student. I know I show my resiliency, strength, and dedication.

What brought you to Saint Mary's? What were your thoughts upon entering college and have those changed? I knew I wanted to leave Southern California, so I decided I wanted to attend college in the Bay Area -- and that's how I found Saint Mary's. I loved the small class sizes and how students can develop strong relationships with professors. Now that I am a second year, I am very happy with my decision. I have seen the benefits of being in classes with a small number of students.

How has your experience in the High Potential Program impacted your experience at Saint Mary's? I am beyond thankful for the High Potential Program. I strongly believe that if this program didn't exist, I would not be in college. This program has shown me that I belong and deserve to be at Saint Mary's.

What is a piece of advice you'd like to share with other first-gen students? It is important to remember how you got to where you are, and how much you deserve to be where you are. As a first-generation student, you have overcome so much, and you should be proud of that. I'm proud of you.

Arturo Fernandez

Kinesiology - Exercise Science, Class of 2023

Where did you grow up and what is your first-gen background? I grew up in a small town called Sonoma, California. I was fortunate enough to never have to struggle for things such as having a home or having food every day. My parents, on the other hand, did have to worry about these things. Both of my parents grew up in Mexico. My father started helping his father work from age six and would have to wake up at 3 or 4 in the morning to milk their cows. After this, he would go to school, then he would come back home and work some more with his father. He did this until he was eighteen years old and was given the option to study in college, but instead he came to the United States -- he has been working here ever since. My mother's father passed away when she was only seven, and my grandmother had to take over as the sole provider for a family of five. She worked multiple jobs to get food on the table every day. After my mother turned eighteen, she was not given the option to study in college -- so she came to the United States and has been working here ever since.

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being first-gen means being the first in my family to receive the further education that no one in my family was able to do. My father had the opportunity, and he did not take it. He regrets it every day because he cannot do what he dreamed of (being a sports commentator) because he does not have any sort of degree. My mother never had the option of studying in college, so being first-gen is an obligation to succeed FOR my parents and grandparents who never got the opportunity to go to college.

What brought you to Saint Mary's? What were your thoughts upon entering college and have those changed? I decided to go to Saint Mary's because it fit my style of what I knew I would be comfortable with. It was a small school with professors that seemed easy to communicate with, and it was exactly that. I was scared going into college simply because not a single person in my family could tell me what to expect. I did not know what so many words meant such as "FAFSA" or "college credits". I knew nothing and I was nervous. Over the first few months I learned so much from the High Potential program and my advisor and I immediately felt way more comfortable being here.

How has your experience in the High Potential Program impacted your experience at Saint Mary's? My experience with the High Potential Program has been great. I learned so much from the program that I would not have learned so quickly if I was simply going through college alone. If it were not for that constant support, I would most likely look for a job and might have quit school, but the program has made me feel like I belong here. I know I may not know everything that is ahead of me, but the HP Program is sure helping me learn and that is more than I could ever ask for. They make it comfortable for me to study at this college.

What is a piece of advice you'd like to share with other first-gen students? Some advice I would give to first-gen students would be to reach out to professors and to get work done early. A concept I struggled to grasp at the beginning of my career at Saint Mary's was the workload. I was genuinely confused as to how I only had four courses when I used to have six or more in high school and I would rarely struggle to get my work done back then. I quickly realized that the work starts immediately in college. There are not those first two weeks of easy work and then a subtle entry into the actual course material. In college, there is maybe one day of reviewing the syllabus and then the work starts immediately. It can become easy to fall behind with your work fairly easily so I would recommend doing work as early as you can, which is something I learned over time and from experience. I also recommend reaching out to professors. They are not scary and they are also looking for you to succeed. They are on your side, especially if they see that you are working hard and are making efforts to get good grades. Professors always find ways to help. Lastly, I recommend putting yourself out there. Personally, I was very scared in my first semester and I rarely left my room. I realized later that it was time wasted and it is better to just put yourself out there and possibly begin to have the time of your lives.

Frida Garcia

Allied Health Science, Class of 2022

Where did you grow up and what is your first-gen background? I grew up in Placerville, California, a very small conservative town between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe. My grandma came to the U.S. from Mexico when she heard that raising a family here would give her children more opportunities. My mom was born and raised here and when she had me and the rest of my siblings, she had a pretty good idea of what raising us here would look like. I grew up with two older brothers, and two younger siblings, so things were always pretty hectic in our house. When I got into high school I was always surrounded by a good group of friends but I also found that I was never really "Mexican enough" for the Mexicans or "White enough" for the White people at my school.

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being first-gen means pursuing my education and other opportunities that the women in my life before me didn't have the chance to. Being first-gen also means showing my family that all the sacrifices we have had to make will all be worth it in the end, and that there is strength in adversity.

What brought you to Saint Mary's? What were your thoughts upon entering college and have those changed? Growing up I always wanted to go to a private, Catholic school. When I heard about Saint Mary's, it seemed like the perfect fit. When I first entered SMC, I was overwhelmed by the sense of community in different areas of the campus and I knew I had made the right decision. It wasn't until after my first college exam that I began to feel the affects of imposter syndrome. I felt like I wasn't smart enough, or even capable of being successful in college. Every once in a while those feelings do creep back in, but I think now I am better equipped with resources to use when I feel that way.

How has your experience in the High Potential Program impacted your experience at Saint Mary's? I do not think my SMC experience would be as positive as it has been without this program. The staff and their unconditional support is what got me through my first year and allowed me to see all the strengths I possessed as an individual. As I progressed through the program and when I became a Peer Mentor I began to gain more confidence in those strengths and really utilize them to the best of my ability. This program has given me some of my best friends that I now consider family, and it has given me lifelong experiences that I will always cherish.

What is a piece of advice you'd like to share with other first-gen students? You already have all the tools you need to succeed, but you need to ask for help unapologetically. If I have learned anything since my time at SMC, it is that as first-gen students, we are SO CAPABLE! We are capable of achieving our wildest dreams and it is okay to not know how exactly we are going to achieve those dreams, but that is when we ask for help and support from our community.

Jess Pham

Biology & Exercise Science, Class of 2023

Where did you grow up and what is your first-gen background? I grew up in the suburbs of San Jose with three brothers and one sister, who are all younger than me.

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being first-gen means holding an unwavering determination and faith in myself through the eternal support of my family and community.

What brought you to Saint Mary's? What were your thoughts upon entering college and have those changed? I absolutely love the nature & community. I was really nervous before coming to Saint Mary's because it meant I would leave my family in San Jose and spend long periods of time in Moraga. I was used to spending lots of time with my baby sister who was only five then, so I knew I would struggle with homesickness. It was scary to realize the newfound independence that came along with attending college and I genuinely was unsure how to navigate college in terms of finances, time management, social life, and academics. Following my first year, I've come to a better understanding of tackling college from the support of HP peer mentors, coaches, and staff.

How has your experience in the High Potential Program impacted your experience at Saint Mary's? The High Potential Program is one of the most genuine group of people I've met. I am lucky to treasure amazing friendships with the people I've connected with thus far. Although college can be a stressful experience in terms of handling the pride, pressure, and expectations that comes with being a first-gen student, dropping by the High Potential office always made me feel at ease because it was a support system that validated why I chose to attend college. My mentors and coaches helped me understand the complicated processes with college that seemed scary at first. I believe HP is my community in helping me cross any barriers I happen to face.

What is a piece of advice you'd like to share with other first-gen students? Stay proactive in finding the support you need!

Lex Flores

JCL - MSTE, Class of 2021

Where did you grow up and what is your first-gen background? I grew up in the East Bay Area. I have lived in Concord my whole life, and have attended all schooling there. I am Mexican and Salvadoran, my mother immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in the 80's. My father was born in San Francisco. While my mother was starting her community college courses, she became pregnant with my brother at the age of 20. My father never got around to graduating high school.

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being first-gen means entering uncharted territory for the benefit of my family and community. It means taking risks, and optimizing my own learning experience. Identifying as first-generation puts inadvertent pressure on me to succeed academically. Most importantly, to be first-gen means to be resilient, and confident of my capabilities. Despite the social and emotional discomfort and growth I have experienced as a young college student, I know that I am entirely grateful toward my parents for this opportunity to further my education.

What brought you to Saint Mary's? What were your thoughts upon entering college and have those changed? I came to Saint Mary's for the small class sizes and liberal arts-orientated teaching program. I am very passionate about social justice and intersectionality affecting institutional policies.

What is a piece of advice you'd like to share with other first-gen students? Believe in yourself, even when that means slowing down and taking the time to take care of yourself. Trust your intuition, your gut is there to help you and move you forward.

Alondra Mendoza

Business Administration - Marketing, Class of 2021

Where did you grow up and what is your first-gen background? I was born and raised in a small town called Fort Bragg, CA. However, my family is originally from Mexico. In their early 20's, my parents immigrated to the U.S. in search of a better life to provide for themselves and their future family. Due to this huge sacrifice, my parents spent the majority of their life working to make ends meet in the U.S. This led to them never getting the opportunity to attend college because of financial circumstances and their legal status. Thankfully, my parents gave me all I could ever need and provided me with an education that has gotten me to where I am now. I can proudly say I'm the first in my family to attend a four-year university and I can't wait for the day I can give back to my family for all they have done for me.

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being first-gen means being the leader in my family. It means setting the path for my younger siblings and family members. It means modelling that anything is possible no matter what adversity comes your way. Overall, it means that I am the difference-maker in my family's life as well as mine.

What brought you to Saint Mary's? What were your thoughts upon entering college and have those changed? What brought me to Saint Mary's were the core values and environment embodied in its education and student life. I highly connected with the Lasallian core principles and knew that I would get a holistic experience at Saint Mary's. Entering college, however, I was challenged with imposter feelings because I didn't know whether I belonged or if I was capable of actually doing well in college. Navigating everything on my own, without any guidance from my family, was tough and overwhelming at times, but I learned to get past that by being reminded that I can do this and I bring in many valuable strengths.

How has your experience in the High Potential Program impacted your experience at Saint Mary's? If it wasn't for the High Potential Program I don't think I would've stayed at Saint Mary's. Coming into my first-year, I was full of doubts and much anxiety about whether I deserved to be at a private, four-year university, like Saint Mary's. At times, I felt out of place because I didn't think anyone could relate to me, but HP changed my mindset completely. I was given so much support and reassurance that I do belong at Saint Mary's and have more than what it takes. HP helped me realized how resilient and strong I actually am and I will forever be grateful to be a part of an amazing community like HP.

What is a piece of advice you'd like to share with other first-gen students? No matter what adversity you face, you are strong, resilient, and deserving of any opportunity that comes your way.

Diego Reece

Psychology, Class of 2022

Where did you grow up and what is your first-gen background? I was born and raised in east San Jose, CA. My family history is split being biracial. Half of my family is Mexican and the other half is white American. This put right in the middle of two different worlds and made my life a constant struggle in finding my identity between these halves of my family.

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being first-gen to me is having to do that extra work in order to succeed in college. It's being resourceful in figuring out the norms of college life and taking the extra step in trying to navigate college. It means having to be tougher and more resilient than most in managing life and college. Being first-gen in my life has been setting an example and path for my younger siblings so that hopefully they are more prepared going into college than I was.

What brought you to Saint Mary's? What were your thoughts upon entering college and have those changed? When I first entered college, I thought that I didn't belong here. Many of my friends back home decided that they would work instead, making me feel like I was out of place in college. I also felt overwhelmed with the idea of even finishing college, let alone merely starting it. To this day, I still sometimes think that college isn't for me, but one must push on.

How has your experience in the High Potential Program impacted your experience at Saint Mary's? The High Potential Program has helped me in so many different ways since coming to Saint Mary's. It first gave me a community that I could fall back on for support, but also good times. It gave me new friends that made my time at Saint Mary's that much better. The HP Program ultimately helped me, and to this day still helps me, stay in college and continue to push for my degree.

What is a piece of advice you'd like to share with other first-gen students? The best advice that I can give to other students is to always reach out for help when you need it. This is a lesson that I learned the hard way. In my experience many situations could have been resolved if I only asked for help when I needed it.

Synclaire Lee

Sociology & Ethnic Studies, Class of 2022

Where did you grow up and what is your first-gen background? Growing up, my family and I moved around a lot so I have lived in many different places in the Bay Area. I am the youngest of five kids and I am lucky enough to have seen two of my older siblings finish college, which inspired me to further my education. As a Black family growing up in a predominantly white area, we have been discriminated against several times, and my parents have always taught my siblings and me that we can do anything we want as long as we utilize our strengths. I am very close to my family; they are my biggest supporters and inspiration to achieve great things.

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being first-gen means taking risks and to always keep moving forward even when I feel like giving up. It also means being a guide for other first-gen students and making sure that the entire community gets a chance to have their voices heard.

What brought you to Saint Mary's? What were your thoughts upon entering college and have those changed? I came to SMC because it was close to home and because of the small campus, and close knit community. I was extremely nervous when I entered college and I wasn't sure that I belonged. After being in college for a few weeks, I felt like giving up. I didn’t feel like I belonged and I isolated myself from most people. It took almost my entire first year at Saint Mary’s to feel like I was at home. It wasn’t until I put myself out there and started actively participating in HP events and socials that I actually felt more at ease and prepared for college.

How has your experience in the High Potential Program impacted your experience at Saint Mary's? I have loved my experience with HP. From the first time I went to an event, I felt like I belonged and I know that I will always have a safe space to go on campus. Deciding to become a peer mentor was the best decision that I have made since coming to SMC. In this position, the High Potential Program staff has helped me to grow my leadership skills, by pushing me to always do my best and reminding me along the way that it is okay to ask for help.

What is a piece of advice you'd like to share with other first-gen students? I want to share one of my favorite quotes that I think ties in well with the resiliency of first-gen students. “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror, I can take the next thing that comes along.'” - Eleanor Roosevelt.

Anahi Torres

Business Administration - Finance and Data Analytics, Class of 2022

Where did you grow up and what is your first-gen background? I was born in a small town in Jalisco, Mexico. My family immigrated to the U.S. when I was about two years old. They came to the U.S. in pursuit of the American Dream. My parents wanted me to grow up in the "land of opportunity." Their life in Mexico was very difficult. They had little access to education because of their economic status. My mom didn't even finish what would be considered elementary school, and my dad made it to high school, but only made it through the first year. It is difficult to get an education in Mexico because everything needs to be paid for at all levels of education (i.e. tuition, books, supplies, uniforms, etc.). My parents brought my brother and me to the U.S. to give us a better future. I will forever be grateful for their sacrifices. Because of their fight, I am able to write this today and be a part of the first-generation of my family to go to college. Because I am first-gen, there are many things that I have had to go through and learn on my own. Being first-gen comes with many challenges, but it has made me even more knowledgeable and resilient. I am thankful that I am learning and experiencing everything my parents dreamed of.

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being first-gen means being the first generation in my family to go to college. However, it is also so much more than that. Being first-gen means being a go-getter, having drive, knowing when to get back up when you fall down, and being grateful for having the ability to pursue an education. It also means having to set really high goals, not only for myself but for my family. It's living with an abundant amount of pressure to strive for success to reach a higher level of knowledge and experience to increase my family's generational wealth.

What brought you to Saint Mary's? What were your thoughts upon entering college and have those changed? I have always been very determined to get the quality education that my parents didn't have access to. I found Saint Mary's after looking for top schools in the major I wanted to pursue. I knew I wanted to attend a competitive school where I could receive a quality education. Apart from that, I didn't know anything else about college. Everything I knew about college, were the small bits and pieces I was told about it in high school. College was something my family knew I had to pursue to be successful. I was excited for college, but had almost no knowledge into what I was really getting myself into. Being in college has several other complexities that I've had to navigate along the way.

How has your experience in the High Potential Program impacted your experience at Saint Mary's? The High Potential Program is the reason I am still at Saint Mary's. I faced a lot of hardship, particularly financial challenges when starting my first year at Saint Mary's. If it wasn't for the HP SAILS Program and the HP Success Coaches, I am not so sure I would still be here today. They gave me the best support and community I could have asked for, and they continue to provide me with support and resources that help me excel in all areas of my life.

What is a piece of advice you'd like to share with other first-gen students? First-gen students have so many strengths! There will be challenges, but use your strengths to overcome them! First-gen students are strong, driven, hard-working, and resilient. Believe in yourself as so many others are believing in you!

Veronica Rivera

JCL - SPED, Class of 2021

Where did you grow up and what is your first-gen background? My maternal grandparents came from Leon, Mexico in 1920 to work in the fields of Oxnard, CA, 100 years ago. They met at Los Campos and had 12 children. My grandfather worked hard as a farm worker and then as a carpenter to support his growing family. My mother was born in Union City, CA and then moved to San Leandro. My grandfather died at age 43 leaving my grandmother with 11 children. They did not have much money, but they had family, support, and love. My father came to the U.S. on a work visa and met my mother on a blind date. They dated and then my father was sent back to Jalisco, Mexico. He proposed to my mother in a letter and she went to Mexico with my grandmother to get married. They came back to California when my mother was 6 months pregnant with me. They had 6 children, and they raised us in Oakland, CA with the help of my grandmother who lived with us since I was 4 years old. We spoke English at home so my father could perfect his English. I took Spanish classes in school, so I can speak enough to get by. Both parents worked and were able to send us to St. Elizabeth High School in Oakland but if we wanted to go to college, it was on our own dime, so I went to Cal State Hayward for a year after high school and then got a good paying job.

What does being first-gen mean to you? I am proud to be able to have a college degree after all this time, and to set an example for my four daughters. I am proof that your dreams can come true no matter how long it takes.

What brought you to Saint Mary's? What were your thoughts upon entering college and have those changed? I started my college journey when my oldest daughter started college at Los Medanos Community College. I had the desire and with the help of financial aid, it made my dream to get a degree possible. At one point, my two older girls, my husband, and I were all at Los Medanos. I was even able to take a class with each of my girls. My oldest graduated with my husband in 2018 and I graduated with my other daughter in 2019 from LMC. My plan was to at least get an AA and then maybe transfer to CSEB. However, Professors Monica Fitzgerald and Peter Alter came to explain a brand new program at Saint Mary's to get a degree in special education in 2 years. I was taking classes in special education at Los Medanos and knew in my heart that this was the path God wanted me to take. I felt if this is what God wanted that he would find a way for me to attend Saint Mary's. Well, God did find me a way to attend -- with my financial aid and scholarships I was able to get all my tuition paid for me to attend this amazing school. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be going to a private school, but when you follow the path God has led you, miracles happen and dreams can come true.

How has your experience in the High Potential Program impacted your experience at Saint Mary's? The High Potential Program has been a saving grace. The monthly meetings with my HP Success Coach, Joy, have been the highlight of my month. There have been times when I thought all was lost with grades, finances, and courses and after speaking with Joy, I would have renewed hope. She is always there to listen and give me the guidance I need to get through the semesters. I don't know how I would have survived without her useful information and encouragement. The financial literacy information I've been exposed to through HP has also been a super guide for financial stability. The connections I made at the socials helped me too. I connected with Jazzy (HP Class of 2020, current Program Assistant) since she was also a JCL major. She was able to advise me on the best Jan Term class that was just what I needed. I just wish I lived closer so I could be more involved as a peer mentor. I feel so blessed to be a part of this amazing program.

What is a piece of advice you'd like to share with other first-gen students? I would advise other first-gen students to follow your dreams and don't give up. First-gen students should also get involved in the program and take in all the different events that High Potential offers. It is all worth it. I was sad that my schedule did not allow me to attend the Student Advisory Board Town Hall meetings but was grateful to be able to watch the recordings. There is so much to learn and the Coaches and Peer Mentors are so informed and helpful so take advantage of all the program has to offer. It will help you in the long run.

Lizette Navarro

English & Business, Class of 2024

Where did you grow up and what is your first-gen background? I grew up in Oakland, CA surrounded by four generations of strong women. My mother's side is from Zacatecas, Mexico and my dad's side is from Mich, Mexico.

What does being first-gen mean to you? To me, first-gen means taking that risk. So many of our family members immigrated here from numerous countries and took that risk in hopes to create a better life. It means so much more to me now than it did before because here I am, living our their hopes and dreams.

What brought you to Saint Mary's? What were your thoughts upon entering college and have those changed? The religious affiliations and surrounding nature brought me to Saint Mary's. The campus is very welcoming and the specific location is not far from where I have grown up so I always feel close to home.

How has your experience in the High Potential Program impacted your experience at Saint Mary's? The High Potential Program constantly reminds me that I am not alone. Shar, Brother Michael, and Anahi all take time out of their busy lives to ensure I am still mentally sane after a full day fo school and still managing to work full-time as well. I have grown up with this mentality that nothing would be handed to me; not money, not education - not even my own happiness. So every time I cry or feel a sense of stress flourish throughout my body, I must remember the sacrifices those before me made so I can be here at this school, in this city, in this country doing what I love.

What is a piece of advice you'd like to share with other first-gen students? I would tell them to not feel guilty for going beyond what their parents could. I would tell them to not compare themselves to other students because someone will always have better grades, someone will always have more money, someone will always try to out do them so they must remain true to their core. I would tell them that their family may not understand the hardships they face everyday but they are are proud of you. I am proud of you so give it all you've got!

Evelyn Tijero

JCL - MSTE & Spanish, Class of 2021

Where did you grow up and what is your first-gen background? My parents immigrated from Michoacan, Mexico and settled into Napa, CA where I've called home for the past 21 years of my life. With a lot of persistence and love, they raised their 3 children in an unfamiliar country. To me, this family history is important because it's a constant reminder to always do my best.

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being first-gen means a label to be proud of. It's part of my identity and being a part of High Potential has taught me to appreciate that of myself.

What brought you to Saint Mary's? What were your thoughts upon entering college and have those changed? In the beginning, college terrified me. I struggled to navigate through college applications, but I didn't let that stop me from attending. Once I received my acceptance letter from Saint Mary's, I knew this was the college for me because of their sense of community and support.

How has your experience in the High Potential Program impacted your experience at Saint Mary's? High Potential has impacted my time at Saint Mary's in the best way. From the first day I stepped onto campus, I've always felt supported academically and socially. I know that the day I graduate it'll be because of this program and I can always cherish the bonds we've created for years to come.

What is a piece of advice you'd like to share with other first-gen students? To other first-gen students, there are no dreams that are too big. Go for it.

Kaajal Narayan

Graduate Accounting, Class of 2021

Where did you grow up and what is your first-gen background? I am of Fijian Indian descent and I was born and raised in the Bay Area. My parents were farmers in Fiji and the highest level of education they received was partially completing high school. My family immigrated from Fiji to the United States in the hopes of providing my sister and I an opportunity to experience the American dream of attending college, home ownership, and overall freedom. Our experience here in America was difficult. My sister and I only had one parent home at a time, where my mother worked late night shifts and my father worked early morning shifts to be able to provide for us. Because of this my sister matured at a young age by helping my parents pay rent, bills, her entire college tuition while working and attending school full time and even taking care of me. My family’s struggle to survive to take care of me gave me the strength to take advantage of the limitless opportunities provided to me through their hardships. I can't wait to repay them for all their sacrifices!

What does being first-gen mean to you? Being the first to pioneer the way to generational wealth, to be the first to start the chain reaction of aiming higher in life, while improving the conditions of your family and community. It also means that you will deal with hardships that some of your peers might not understand, but it makes you unique and you should relish the journey of being the best you can be for yourself, your family and community.

What brought you to Saint Mary's? What were your thoughts upon entering college and have those changed? I began my educational journey in the latter part of high school where I was a part of concurrent enrollment at Skyline Community College, after I finished community college in 1.5 years I went to SF State to complete my bachelor's degree in accounting. After becoming the first in my family to hold a degree and an education beyond high school, I wanted to aim even higher by pursuing my masters degree. I read about the masters program at Saint Mary's and knew that it was the right place for me because of its exceptional education and dedication to community! My initial thoughts when I began college was that it was going to be hard, being a first generation student navigating in a world that was unknown to my family or me, but that I needed to reach out and find my resources to become the woman I wanted to be today. Today, I feel relieved that I have made it this far and I am even more excited to see where I will go!

How has your experience been at Saint Mary's? Saint Mary's has positively influenced my education, network and mentoring opportunities where I love the quality of education in my graduate cohort program, joined network groups that helped me reach my dream job and company and great friendships with classmates and alumna.

What is a piece of advice you'd like to share with other first-gen students? I wish someone told me earlier to aim higher! Never settle and definitely do not be scared to reach out and utilize every and any resource to reach your goals. Being a first generation student is an honor by bringing educational and generational wealth to your family, don't let anything stop you from that!

Luz Casquejo Johnston

Assistant Professor, Teacher Education - KSOE

What is your educational background? UC Berkeley -- BS Nutrition and Food Science, Minor in Poetry (1994); UCSD/CSUSM -- Ed.D in Ed Leadership (2013)

What department do you work in at Saint Mary's? What is your job title? Assistant Professor, Teacher Education/KSOE

Tell us about your first-gen background. What is your family history? My parents immigrated in 1967 right after they were married under the 1965 Hart-Cellar Immigration Act (called the Kennedy Brain Drain) which gave immigration preference to those with advance degrees. My mother had completed her medical degree and my dad had completed a BS in Civil Engineering.

What does being first-gen mean to you? I am first-gen as the daughter of immigrants who were educated outside of the U.S. Although my parents were both college and professional graduates, they had no context for higher education in the U.S. First-gen for me was still navigating systems on my own and with guidance from my older sister.

How did your background help you get to where you are? What skills and experiences did you draw upon to succeed? I definitely learned to ask for help always in all ways. Seeing my parents navigate micro-aggressions in their professions helped me to understand that higher ed was important but did not erase the experience of being a person of color in predominantly white spaces. As a woman of color in a predominantly white male professions (especially in the 60's, 70's and 80's), my mom had a really hard time building her practice but she did not let that get in her way. She taught me to believe in my worth and to be the loud voice in the room.

What advice do you have for current first-gen students and/or other first-gen professionals? Keep going!

Ted Tsukahara

Tutor, Integral Program of Liberal Arts

What is your educational background? Saint Mary's College -- BS Economics and Bus. Adm (1962); University of Southern California -- MS Quantitative Bus. Analysis (1964); Claremont Graduate University -- MA Economics (1967) and PhD Economics (1970)

What department do you work in at Saint Mary's? What is your job title? Tutor, Integral Program of Liberal Arts

Tell us about your first-gen background. What is your family history? Granduncle Kinta, a farmer arrives in the Dallas, TX area in 1885. He is the first recorded Japanese there. Grandfather Kinya arrives in the Dallas area in 1890. He is a doctor in Japan. He begins work as a houseboy for the Overtons, one of the founding families of Dallas. Eventually, he enters Baylor University and earns the MD in 1906 and became licensed to practice medicine in 1907. He is the first non-white doctor graduated by Baylor and most likely the first non-white doctor licensed to practice in Dallas. My grandfather died in 1928. He left a wife, Ura who migrated from Japan and six children. Theodore, my father, was the youngest child. My father had a summer job as a laborer with a traveling circus that came to Dallas. They offered to take him to California so he left home without permission from his mother. He left the circus job and became a bartender in a "dive" in Little Tokyo (Los Angeles) where he met my mother who had run away from her family in Utah. I was born in May, 1941 and we lived in a residential hotel room above store fronts in the heart of Little Tokyo. In May, 1942 on my first birthday, we were taken into custody by the Federal Government as a consequence of Executive Order 9066 and sent to Santa Anita Assembly Center to wait until Heart Mountain (Wyoming) Relocation Camp was constructed. My father volunteered from Heart Mountain to join the special Japanese American army unit being formed to fight the Nazis in Europe. As a result, we were allowed to leave Heart Mountain. He reconciled with his mother so she agreed to take me into the family home in Dallas. My mother went to work in Chicago as a seamstress (I believe) and he went to basic training. I began grammar school in the segregated one that served the neighborhood. I am the only non-white child there. However, this is the same school that my father and his siblings attended because in Texas, Japanese were so few that they were counted as white. My father returns to Dallas in late 1947 and finds work as a bartender. My mother remains in Chicago. He decides to bring me to back to Little Tokyo because he and a buddy from the 442RCT decide to revive the diner in Little Tokyo. We arrive in Los Angeles in September 1949. First, the divorce papers have to signed. Then we move into the storeroom of the diner.

What does being first-gen mean to you? Learning to survive and valuing community.

How did your background help you get to where you are? What skills and experiences did you draw upon to succeed? Risk-taking to survive and being prepared for rejection.

What advice do you have for current first-gen students and/or other first-gen professionals? Get a broad education so that you can find ways to overcome barriers. Get involved on campus. Don't stay in your room.

How has your first-gen identity impacted your post-grad experience? What does being first-gen mean to you? I was the first American-born Asian person to teach at SMC (1967-68) and the first one to be tenured at Pomona College. There were no "role models" to follow or "mentors" easily identified. I had to learn that risk taking was needed to survive.

Was there anything you were anxious or afraid of when you went to college? How did you overcome it? I had fellows that I knew in high school already at SMC. Also, I went to a Christian Brothers HS so the Brothers provided some needed familiarity. Most of the people who entered SMC in my year were from similar backgrounds--working class and Catholic.

Myrna I. Santiago

Professor, History

Director, Women's and Gender Studies Program

What is your educational background? Princeton University -- BA (1982); UC Berkeley -- MA History (1993); UC Berkeley -- PhD History (1997)

What department do you work in at Saint Mary's? What is your job title? Professor, History; Director, Women's and Gender Studies Program

Tell us about your first-gen background. What is your family history? My family migrated from Jalisco, Mexico to Tijuana, Baja California, on the San Diego, California border. I was born on the U.S. side of the border, in Chula Vista, but I grew up in Tijuana. I attended elementary school there, alongside my younger brother, who was born in Tijuana. When I finished 6th grade, my mother decided that we would move to Los Angeles in order for me to continue attending school. She was a single mom and could not afford to pay for me to go to middle school in Mexico, which was free in theory but had more costs associated with it than she could afford. We landed in Boyle Heights in the summer of 1972, at my grandparents' extremely modest rental home. We shared the house with several unmarried uncles. I started 7th grade and my brother started 4th grade. My mom began working as a seamstress in a series of LA sweatshops, where she would remain until she retired. I was in English as a Second Language classes for 7th grade and moved into regular classes in 8th grade. In 9th grade my teachers helped me apply for a scholarship to go to a prep school. I left LA for the East Coast to attend Phillips Academy in Andover in the ABC (A Better Chance) program starting in the 10th grade. Upon graduation from Andover I selected Princeton University from the choices I had and headed for New Jersey. I graduated in 1982, having designed my own major in Latin American Studies. After that I moved to Latin America to experience in the practice what I had read about in all those classes! I came back to the U.S. in 1990 and started graduate school at Berkeley in the History department. Seven years later, I chose Saint Mary's as my place of employment and have been here ever since.

What does being first-gen mean to you? A great responsibility to my family, community, and the students who pass through my classes. I did not earn my degrees by myself. I did the work, of course, but my family sacrificed a lot so that I may have those opportunities. Countless anonymous men and women participated in social movements to open the doors of the universities to young people like me. Without their commitment to social change and social justice, I never would have had the access to education that I had. That experience influences everything I do, from my curriculum to my research to my relationships with students.

How did your background help you get to where you are? What skills and experiences did you draw upon to succeed? Sometimes ignorance is a good thing. Had I known that it meant to go to prep school, I might not have gone. Had I known what it meant to be a minority at an Ivy League school, I might not have gone there either. But no one in my family knew what they were, so I was adventurous enough to say yes. And my family was flexible enough to let me do it. They were fearful; I was fearless. It turned out to be a good combination because I knew I could not disappoint them above all. My skills were an immigrant work ethic, an unflinching belief in the power of education, a willingness to forgo any fun until my school work got done, and the stubbornness necessary to finish the dissertation. Persistence went a long ways for me. And I fell into a small group of friends whose courage and wisdom carried me through all the lows. Without my Latinx and African-American friends, it would have been a different story.

What advice do you have for current first-gen students and/or other first-gen professionals? One of the poverties of American society is its egotism. First generation students know in their bones that we are not for ourselves only. On the contrary, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, both who loved us and all those who have fought for justice since this nation was founded. Don't ever forget them. Keep their memory close to your heart and they will inspire you and motivate you in the toughest days of your college years. Trust me on that one. First generation professionals: stop being invisible.

Swetta Abeyta

Systems and Digital Initiatives Librarian, Library

What is your educational background? San Francisco State University -- BA Psychology (2000); San Jose State University -- Masters in Library and Information Science (2020)

What department do you work in at Saint Mary's? What is your job title? Library, Systems and Digital Initiatives Librarian

Tell us about your first-gen background. What is your family history? My family and I moved to San Francisco in 1986, when I was almost 9 years old. Me, my two siblings, and my parents were born in Tanzania. My grandparents on both sides of the family moved to Tanzania from India around WWII. Five of us lived in the Tenderloin in a small one bedroom apartment for many years until my parents could make enough to move to a bigger place. I was the first person in my household to attend a 4-year college and get a bachelor's degree, and am the first person in my family to get a master's degree.

What does being first-gen mean to you? For me, being first-gen is a point of pride. It signifies that I paved the way for others in my family. I proved that while there were many obstacles in my way, I was able to achieve my educational dreams by working hard and believing in myself.

How did your background help you get to where you are? What skills and experiences did you draw upon to succeed? I was a latchkey kid and that experience gave me a tremendous amount of independence, as well as responsibility. I learned to fend for myself and manage my own time and schedule. Having to earn my education by working my way through college meant that I never took it for granted. While my family didn't really understand my educational journey, they were always proud of me and supported me in any way they could, and that really motivated me to succeed.

What advice do you have for current first-gen students and/or other first-gen professionals? As hard as it might be to do, ask for help whenever you need it. People want to help you succeed. There are resources available to help you, but if you don't ask, you won't know about them.

Sarah Vital

Business Librarian, Library

Lecturer, School of Economics and Business Administration

What is your educational background? Saint Mary's College of California -- BA Communication (2000); San Jose State University -- MA, Speech Communication (2004); San Jose State University -- Master of Library and Information Science (2006)

What department do you work in at Saint Mary's? What is your job title? Business Librarian, Library; Lecturer, School of Economics and Business Administration

Tell us about your first-gen background. What is your family history? I am the third generation of my family to be born in Oakland, California. My grandfathers were all masters of their crafts (a machinist and a baker) and my grandmothers worked at various jobs out of the home. Both of my parents were dedicated workers, both working for their same organizations for 40 years each. Being dedicated to what you do, no matter what that is has always been stressed by and valued in my family. I never thought about college either way until I moved on to a high school where higher education was assumed to be the next step. My parents supported and encouraged me the whole way, sacrificing much personally to seeing me thrive in a world different than they knew. To this point, I am still the only one in my family to have had a 4-year college experience. My nephews have chosen other paths, but whatever they go on to do, I know they will bring our family's ingrained dedication to it.

What does being first-gen mean to you? Explaining an assignment to my dad once, he responded "I don't know what all of that means and what you do, but keep doing it well." So to me, being first-gen is just a different path to the same thing: doing the best you can.

How did your background help you get to where you are? What skills and experiences did you draw upon to succeed? Seeing success and happiness in many vocations via the many paths to those callings helped me understand that everyone has value. SMC revealed my value to be as a professional critical thinker and helping others towards being the same. While it looks different, every vocational journey requires passion and work, and I've gone back to that foundation at each step of my own journey.

What advice do you have for current first-gen students and/or other first-gen professionals? Asking questions is a strength. No one knows it all, and those who allow themselves to ask and learn will benefit far more than pretending to have it all figured out.

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