Summary
Languages: English & Spanish
I am a first-generation citizen and a first-generation college student. I am from a small district (not even a town) in Northern California outside of Chico. My parents are originally from a small town outside La Piedad, Michoacán Mexico. I identify as Mexican-American and spent most of my early childhood visiting México annually to visit my grandparents and other family members. My first language was Spanish but English quickly dominated. When I visited Mexico I was often referred to as “Güera” or “Pocha” because of my accent, fair skin and light eyes. I turned to books such as Gold of Rain, Pocho and House on Mango Street to help me cope and understand my own experience.
I attended Sonoma State University (SSU) in California, where I completed my B.A. in Spanish and Psychology, while at SSU I had the opportunity to study abroad in Spain. I also held several on-campus positions within student affairs such as but not limited to Summer Orientation Guide, Peer Mentor for the Summer Bridge Programs (4 years), Peer Mentor for First Year Experience Courses, a member of the Latino Student Congress, Psi Chi Honor Society and Multicultural Sorority, Lambda Sigma Gamma, Inc. I am also a proud alum of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at SSU. I attribute many of my successes to my experience as an EOP student and the support I received from my advisors, mentors and peers. I am forever grateful for them to this day!