In my entire academic career I have encountered issues of access, equity, and development. As a native of the Boyle Heights community in East Los Angeles, and as a first-generation student, low expectations were a part of my academic trajectory within the public school system. My motivation to work in college readiness field is attributed to the lack of support I received during my schooling and my desire to contribute to a system that has failed to support thousands of students of color. My entire academic and professional career has revolved around issues of diversity in higher education policy, and how those issues play a role in postsecondary access, college readiness, and student development.
My first glimpse into the world of higher education came from a student-initiated outreach program I attended during my junior year of high school. The program sought highly motivated students from low income areas in Los Angeles, and introduced them to college life at UC Santa Barbara. I fell in love with the program, the students that guided us, and the notion that as a first-generation student from a low performing high school, I was not forgotten. It was as if I was given a second chance, and I was motivated to pursue more than just the status quo for my neighborhood. It was this experience that shaped my educational mission, motivations, and values. To many, admissions and outreach is a necessary process that comes every fall. To me, it is more than that.It is the value of showing students a glimpse into what their future could be. It is motivating them to take the next step into adulthood to benefit their career options and goals. It is helping them choose the best college campus that reflects their personality and desire; and most importantly, it is believing in them regardless of their background or socio-economic status.
I have educated thousands of students from all walks of life, gender, age, ethnic, cultural, and sexual identity in the US and across the world and I continue to serve as mentor to high school students in the college admissions process and current undergraduate students learning about their grad school options. My professional positions have led me to read thousands of personal statements and still do so every year providing valuable feedback to students who otherwise have no mentorship. I have presented thousands of times globally on UC, CSU, USC admission, and general higher education topics to local and external groups. I have taught Education 1 at East Los Angeles College to community college students and high school students, and I have mentored hundreds of undergraduate students who have chosen to pursue higher education as a career path.
Admissions and Recruitment is in my DNA and it is my mission to reduce barriers, improve outcomes, and continue to make a difference in any way that I can.
