An Advocate for those in Need

Alexa Rosales Guifarro has always wanted to help people in need. This desire ultimately led her to pursue a degree in social work.

“I like to help those who are going through tough times and give them the resources to lift them up and feel better about themselves,” said Rosales Guifarro. “When I found out about becoming a social worker, it just clicked, and I knew that is what I wanted to do.”

Rosales Guifarro was born and raised in Honduras; she moved to the United States in 2018. With relatives already living in Utah, she and her family soon made Utah their home. “My mom had family living in Utah, so it just made sense to move here,” said Rosales Guifarro. “Plus, this state is so quiet compared to where I’m from!” 

While in high school, Rosales Guifarro knew she wanted to go to college, but she didn’t know if it was going to be possible. When a PACE (Partnership for Accessing College Education) representative visited her school and talked about the program, Rosales Guifarro saw this as her opportunity to earn a degree. 

“After meeting with the people from the PACE program, I felt like this might be my chance to go to college, so I applied,” said Rosales Guifarro. “When I found out I had been accepted, I was in shock! After I got my award letter I started jumping up and down with excitement. My mother was wondering what was going on. When I told her I had been accepted into PACE, she was so happy for me – she then told everyone she knew!”

PACE is SLCC’s high school completion and college readiness program created to help increase graduation rates and college participation for low-income, first-generation high school students.

“As a first-generation college student, school can be really overwhelming,” said Rosales Guifarro. “My parents want to help me as much as possible, but they don’t understand how stressful going to college can be. I am so thankful for the support I’ve received from being in the PACE program; it has been a blessing for me and my family.”

Rosales Guifarro is earning an associate’s degree in social work and is currently serving as the North Region Board Member of the Salt Lake Community College Student Association (SLCCSA). After graduation, she plans to transfer to a four-year university and finish a bachelor’s degree.

“If it wasn’t for the PACE program, I’m not sure where I would be right now,” said Rosales Guifarro. “PACE gives people, like me, many opportunities. I am so grateful to all the donors who make this program possible.”