Examine the word responsibility in the context response and ability. As the first person to leave my home and the realization that my scholarship/financial aid was more money than my family earned in a year made me aware that I was here at UCSB representing my whole family to “make it”. I was not here alone. That is why my response to being here and the potential of my abilities never left my mind as a constant reminder of the seriousness of my educational goals.

Being an EOP student meant learning the philosophy and mission of our EOP community efforts. I never tool for granted that I was accepted with the potential to succeed in spite of all the challenges it took to get here. The value of EOP community meant working hard to give back to others that would come after me. Paving the way and breaking a path for academic excellence from my unique world view, only enhanced the view I could adjust to the larger area of academics, studies, leadership knowing there was a place like EOP.

I have reclaimed my educational process and identify as a life long learner. My educational experience has allowed me to mentor other adolescents, young adults and my own children. They have come to understand the creative thought process.