Then and Now

After graduating from high school, I was nervous about moving toward higher education. I came to the U.S. when I was 12 from Colombia and, at the time, I was undocumented.

But my mom was a big advocate of education, and she wanted me to have the tools to ensure a better life economically. At SLCC, we met with a Spanish-speaking advisor who understood our concerns, especially affordability. I started by just taking one class at a time while working fulltime at a call center. I was the first in my family to start college.

Eventually, I was able to earn a tuition waiver and a stipend as a member of SLCC's student government and attend full time, really focusing on school. I became the publicity and advertising coordinator for SLCC's Student Association's programs, and this opened the door to a lot of leadership trainings.

I was taking different classes to figure out what I wanted to do—a sociology class, then biology, one in anthropology—but the more I got involved in student life, the more I realized I loved relationship building, community outreach, and public relations.

I was also a Civically Engaged Scholar, which creates connections between SLCC students and community organizations. That's how I learned about the Guadalupe Center, and I started volunteering with them teaching English. The center's mission is to transform lives through education, not unlike my mom's own words to me when I was tempted not to go to college. I'm now on the Guadalupe Center's board; it has been a full circle experience.

After 3 years at SLCC, I graduated with an AS in Speech Communications and headed to the U for a Bachelor's in Strategic Communications. Going from small classes to big classes at the U was a transition, but otherwise it was seamless. I felt confident and academically prepared to move forward.

I've had some valuable work experiences, including working for the SL County mayor and now I'm the marketing and outreach manager at the SL County Health Department. I enjoy making connections with the community and as a lifelong learner, I feel like I am in the right place.

"I do believe SLCC is a safe place and there are allies who want to see you succeed—they want to help you, not judge you."

Advice

The wonderful thing about the Community College is the stakes are a bit lower so you can explore more to figure things out. But once you find what really interests you, go after it. Talk to a professor. Find out how you can get more involved. Ask about internships, look for a mentor. And don't be afraid to ask for help or guidance.

If you're a high school student who is undocumented like I was, I understand how education can take a back seat, because there are so many other things on your plate, but try to find ways to always improve yourself, whatever that looks like.

I do believe SLCC is a safe place and there are allies who want to see you succeed—they want to help you, not judge you.