As a first-generation Mexican American student, I am so proud and honored to be a part of our Oklahoma State community where I have truly found my home. I am currently a junior student pursuing a degree in Microbiology/Cell and Molecular Biology Pre-Medicine with a minor in Psychology. Although I have had my fair share of struggles as a college student, my supportive mentors around me have inspired and empowered me to continue to help other students. As a current F1RST2GO student mentor, I aim to uplift other first-generation students to show them that we can succeed, and that no student should ever feel alone on their journey to success.

As a first generation college student, I had a wonderful experience at my undergraduate institution, University of Maryland at College Park. As soon as I arrived on campus, I became quickly involved with Student Support Services and eventually the McNair Scholars Program. Both of these TRIO programs are federally funded through the Department of Education and support first-generation/ low income students. With their support I graduated with my bachelors degree and Kinesiology Sciences and continued on to receive my Master's in Human Development and Family Science at Oklahoma State University. OSU has a wealth of resources to help first-generation students succeed. As an employee that now works with the McNair Scholars Program as the Director, it has been an honor to give back to students while helping them reach the goal of obtaining a doctoral degree.