I always liked school, but the most important thing was that I needed a higher-paying job. I knew that I needed to get a higher education, and a degree was the only way I was going to succeed.
When I first started college, I didn't take advantage. My advice is to do your due diligence by researching the schools you want to attend. Take a tour of the schools and narrow it down to where you want to go. Write down questions you have, write down your options, and meet with counselors to help you and guide you on the right path. There are so many resources, from clubs, mentoring programs, tutoring, networking, peer groups, to a community that will help you learn and grow.
There are many things I have experienced as a first-generation student: meeting other students, networking, meeting with high-minded educators, professionals that have given their time to give the resources on so many topics that will help me and prepare me for a bright future.
I'm proud because I can be a light to the next generation, an example of "Si se puede!" Especially coming from a Hispanic family, and knowing that my parents worked so hard to bring me to the United States to make a difference, to give back to the community, and be a voice to those that didn't have the resources or the opportunity as I did to succeed in life.